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The Ultimate 5-Day Grand Teton & Yellowstone Long-Weekend Itinerary (May 17–21, 2026)
The Ultimate 5-Day Grand Teton & Yellowstone Long-Weekend Itinerary (May 17–21, 2026)
Book Your Flight | Allegiant #G91GRG → Bozeman (BZN)
Arrive 9:35 AM May 17 • Depart 4:35 PM May 21
💰 Total ≈ $1,380–1,430 pp (5 adults splitting)
Expected Sunrise/Sunset Times (Mountain Time):
May 17 (Jackson, WY): Sunrise ~5:51 AM | Sunset ~8:48 PM
May 18 (Jackson, WY): Sunrise ~5:50 AM | Sunset ~8:49 PM
May 19 (Jackson, WY): Sunrise ~5:49 AM | Sunset ~8:50 PM
May 20 (Gardiner, MT area): Sunrise ~5:48 AM | Sunset ~8:52 PM
May 21 (Gardiner, MT area): Sunrise ~5:47 AM | Sunset ~8:53 PM
⭐ Day 1 – Sunday, May 17
Arrival → Groceries → Private Evening Dusk Safari
Route: BZN → WinCo → Provisions → Moose Entrance → Home Ranch Lot → Cowboy Village Resort
Cowboy Village Resort address: 120 S Flat Creek Dr, Jackson, WY
Optimized Itinerary
9:35 AM – Land at BZN → Pick up your rental SUV
Late Afternoon/Evening: Private Dusk Safari – Grand Teton National Park Guided Wildlife Tour
3:00 PM: Pickup for the 4-Hour Dusk Safari (Enclosed Vehicle)
This premium private tour ($795 for your group of 5) with BrushBuck Wildlife Tours is the perfect low-key intro—spot bears, moose, elk in golden hour light from a comfy SUV (perfect timing around sunset ~8:48 PM).
~7:00–7:30 PM: Return to Resort
Recommended Dinner: Head into Jackson for a casual locals' spot. Top pick: Snake River Brewing (265 S Millward St, Jackson)—Wyoming's oldest brewpub with affordable wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and house beers in a relaxed vibe. Alternatives: Pinky G's Pizzeria (50 W Broadway) for huge slices, or Merry Piglets (160 N Cache St) for massive Tex-Mex and margaritas.
Unwind at the cabin fire pit—great start!
⭐ Day 2 – Monday, May 18, 2026
Cowboy Village → Schwabacher Landing (sunrise) → Mormon Row (quick photos) → E-bike adventure on Jackson Hole to Jenny Lake Multi-Use Pathway → Packed sandwich picnic lunch at Jenny Lake → Dave Hansen Snake River Scenic Float Trip → Signal Mountain (sunset) → Cowboy Village
Day Highlights:
Iconic Schwabacher Landing sunrise (~5:50 AM) with perfect Teton reflections
E-bike ride along the stunning paved multi-use pathway to Jenny Lake
Relaxed picnic lunch overlooking Jenny Lake
Calm Snake River Scenic Float with epic Teton views and wildlife
Panoramic Signal Mountain sunset (~8:49 PM)
Optimized Itinerary
~5:00–5:15 AM: Depart for Schwabacher (arrive early for sunrise ~5:50 AM)
~6:30–7:30 AM: Mormon Row photos
~8:30 AM: E-bike pickup/start (~40–44 mile RT to Jenny Lake)
~12:30–1:30 PM: Picnic at Jenny Lake
~2:30–6:00 PM: Scenic Float (225 W Broadway check-in)
~6:30–9:00 PM: Signal Mountain for sunset (~8:49 PM)
Recommended Dinner: Back at Cowboy Village—try Liberty Burger (160 N Cache St) for top-rated bison/beef burgers and shakes, or Big Hole BBQ (325 W Pearl St) for hearty ribs and brisket. Casual and filling after a full day.
⭐ Day 3 – Tuesday, May 19
Cowboy Village → Oxbow Bend → Lewis Falls → West Thumb → Hayden Valley → Mud Volcano → Artist Point → Old Faithful → Fountain Paint Pot → Gibbon Falls → Gardiner VRBO
Book your Gardiner VRBO | Address: 8 Peters Lane, Gardiner, MT
This assumes a mid-May start (post-May 9 for full access)—sunrise ~5:30 AM, sunset ~8:30 PM, temps 40-60°F (pack layers/rain gear). It's a full day (~13-14 hours out) crossing ~60 miles of parks, focusing on geothermal highlights, wildlife, and canyons. With 4 adventurers (like your Brian Head group), rotate drivers for the loops; total hiking <4 miles on boardwalks/easy paths. If pre-May 9, flip to West Entrance entry after Lewis Falls (add 1-2 hours, skip Mud Volcano/Artist Point initially).
Optimized Itinerary
~5:15–5:30 AM: Depart Cowboy Village → Oxbow Bend (~45 min drive, 30 miles north on US-89). Arrive ~5:49 AM for sunrise reflections on Snake River bends—top wildlife spot (otters, eagles). 20-30 min photo stop.
~7:15 AM: Oxbow Bend → Lewis Falls (~10 min drive, 5 miles north via South Entrance—opens May 9). Park at pullout; short 0.2-mile walk to 30-ft cascade. 15-20 min; misty morning vibes.
~7:45 AM: Lewis Falls → West Thumb Geyser Basin (~20 min, 15 miles north). Boardwalk loop (0.6 miles, 30-45 min)—hot springs bubbling into Yellowstone Lake. Early = fewer people.
~8:45 AM: West Thumb → Hayden Valley (~15 min, 10 miles north). Pull over for bison/herds—spring calving = baby action. 20-30 min drive-by viewing (no hiking needed).
~9:30 AM: Hayden Valley → Mud Volcano (~10 min, 5 miles north). 0.6-mile boardwalk (20-30 min)—steaming vents, Dragon's Mouth Spring. Smells sulfur-y but iconic.
~10:30 AM: Mud Volcano → Artist Point (~25 min, 15 miles east on Grand Loop/South Rim Dr). Overlook the Lower Falls (308 ft drop)—grandest canyon view. 30-45 min; South Rim fully open May 9.
~11:45 AM: Artist Point → Old Faithful (~1 hour, 40 miles west via West Thumb/Craig Pass). Arrive ~12:45 PM; check eruption predictions at visitor center (every 90 min). Watch 1-2 gushers (20-30 min each); grab picnic lunch here (pre-prepped wraps fuel the group).
~2 PM: Old Faithful → Fountain Paint Pot (~20 min, 8 miles north). 0.6-mile boardwalk (30-45 min)—bubbling mud pots, geysers like Clepsydra. Easy, sensory overload.
~3:15 PM: Fountain Paint Pot → Gibbon Falls (~15 min, 7 miles north). Roadside viewpoint (5-10 min)—84-ft waterfall plunging into canyon. Quick stretch break.
~3:45 PM: Gibbon Falls → Gardiner VRBO (~1.5 hours, 50 miles north via Norris/Mammoth/North Entrance). Arrive ~5:15-5:30 PM at 8 Peters Lane—time to unload before dinner. North road open since April.
Total Driving: ~4.5 hours; buffers for traffic/wildlife jams (common in Hayden). If rain, prioritize indoor-ish boardwalks (West Thumb/Old Faithful); skip Artist Point if fog rolls in.
⭐ Day 4 – Wednesday, May 20
Gardiner VRBO → Mammoth Hotel → Lamar Valley → Yellowstone Hot Springs if desired →Gardiner VRBO
Afternoon free (Mammoth Terraces, Roosevelt Arch sunset)
⚠️ Boiling River is permanently closed
Optimized Itinerary
5:30-6 AM: Depart Gardiner VRBO → Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel (~10 min drive south on US-89, cross North Entrance—$35/vehicle park fee if no pass). Park at hotel lot (free for tour guests). Quick coffee at Terrace Grill if needed (opens ~6:30 AM, grab-and-go).
6:15 AM: Check-In for Wake Up to Wildlife Tour (Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel lobby). Muffin + juice provided; guides outfit scopes/binocs. Dress in layers (fleece, waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes—mornings dip to ~35°F).
6:30 AM-11:30 AM: Guided Lamar Valley Wildlife Tour (~5 hours, open-air van/closed options). Head east on Grand Loop Rd past Tower-Roosevelt (~20 min to valley edge), then deep into Lamar (America's "Serengeti"—wide meadows, sagebrush hills). Guides track recent activity (e.g., wolf packs near Slough Creek, grizzlies emerging from dens). Stops at pullouts for photos; learn behaviors/ecology. Possible sightings: 500+ bison herds, coyotes hunting pronghorn, eagles overhead. Return to Mammoth by 11:30 AM—energized, with pro tips for afternoon.
11:45 AM-12:30 PM: Quick Mammoth Exploration (self-guided, 45 min). Stroll the Lower Terraces boardwalk (0.6 miles, easy)—steaming travertine formations, colorful bacteria mats. Spring runoff makes falls roar; elk often graze nearby. Visitor center (open 9 AM-5 PM) for stamps/maps.
12:45 PM: Mammoth → Lunch Break (~10 min back north to Gardiner). Or picnic en route at a pullout—scenic river views.
~2-5 PM: Afternoon Free/Flex Time (optional self-drive add-ons from Gardiner). Unwind at VRBO or extend the wildlife vibe:
Easy Add: Drive back into park (~20 min round-trip) to Blacktail Plateau for more elk/bear spotting (paved, 10-mile loop).
Moderate Hike: Undine Falls trailhead (near Mammoth, 0.5-mile RT, 60-ft cascade—wildflowers galore).
Chill: Gardiner hot springs soak (e.g., Yellowstone Hot Springs, ~10 min drive, $12/entry).
5-6 PM: Return to Gardiner VRBO. Buffer for traffic (bison jams common); sunset ~8:45 PM—grab binoculars for backyard river wildlife.
Total Hiking: <2 miles. Driving: Light, with tour handling the bulk. Weather backup: If rain, tour vans have covered seating; skip terraces for indoor exhibits.
⭐ Day 5 – Thursday, May 21
Gardiner VRBO → Norris Geyser Basin → Grand Prismatic (Fairy Falls TH) → Sheepeater Cliff → Chico Hot Springs (OPTIONAL) → BZN Airport
Skip Chico (closed for renovations)
Version WITHOUT Chico (shorter):
Optimized Itinerary
6:15 AM – Check out Gardiner
7:15–8:15 AM – Norris Geyser Basin
8:45–10:15 AM – Grand Prismatic + Overlook (park at Fairy Falls trailhead – 1.2 mi each way; trail can be icy/muddy)
10:30 AM – Sheepeater Cliff quick stop
10:45 AM onward: Leisurely Paradise Valley drive
Optional victory soak: Chico Hot Springs Resort (opens 8 AM, $10 entry, 45–60 min detour) – perfect for a celebratory mineral-pool dip or patio coffee
Note: Early-morning fog can sit low along the river in May – drive slow on the bends
1:00–1:30 PM – Arrive BZN → lunch (Montana Ale Works inside the airport is excellent) → relax
4:35 PM – Fly home
🎒 Complete May Packing List
Microspikes (MANDATORY for early-morning ice) - Rent Kahtoola Nanos at gear shop
Teton Backcountry Rentals (Best for this—rent CAMP Chainsen Pro or similar)
Address: 565 N Cache St #1, Jackson, WY 83001
⚠️ Small Risks & Important Notes for May 2026
1. Weather Volatility is Real
Mid-May can bring snowstorms or cold rain that closes trails and makes e-bikes miserable. Your rain-day flip (e-bikes ↔ Jenny Lake) is good, but consider keeping Day 4 afternoon completely free as your weather buffer for a total washout day.
2.E-Bike Rental Availability & Recommendations No commercial rentals directly inside Grand Teton National Park boundaries (NPS restriction). Avoid delivery options due to overnight storage concerns at Cowboy Village.
Top Pick (Closest "In-Park" Start): Dornan's Adventure Sports
Dornan's Adventure Sports: 10 Moose St (or 12170 Dornan Rd), Moose, WY 83012 — right at Moose Junction (just inside park entrance); park your SUV and start riding the multi-use pathway north to Jenny Lake immediately (~16–20 miles round-trip, most scenic section).
Business Hours (Summer Season): Typically 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily (based on current data; call to confirm).
Season: Mid-May onward (weather-dependent; hiring starts mid-December for summer).
Contact/Reservations: Call (307) 733-3307 or email adventure@dornans.com — book early.
Reliable Jackson Town Alternatives (Drive ~20–25 min to Moose afterward):
Hoback Sports (Best overall e-bike selection)520 W Broadway Ave, Jackson, WY 83001
Business Hours (Summer Season): Typically 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily (varies slightly by source; confirm for mid-May).
Contact: (307) 733-5335
Teton Mountain Bike Tours: 545 N Cache St, Jackson, WY 83001
Business Hours: Vary by season (typically daily in summer; confirm mid-May opening).
Contact: (307) 733-0712
3. Day 3 is Heavy Driving
~260–280 miles round-trip (Jackson → Old Faithful → Gardiner). With wildlife/bison jams, expect 14–15 hours door-to-door. Totally worth it, but rotate drivers and be mentally prepared. If anyone is prone to car fatigue, consider cutting Mud Volcano or West Thumb to save ~1 hour.
4. Chico Hot Springs Timing
Pools open at 8 AM; you'd need to leave by ~10:15 AM for your 4:35 PM flight = only 60–75 minutes of soak time after the detour. Worth it if your group loves hot springs; otherwise, skip and enjoy the Paradise Valley drive stress-free.
5. Microspikes Are Mandatory
Schwabacher, Jenny Lake boat dock, Fairy Falls trail, and Norris boardwalks will almost certainly have packed snow/ice early morning. Rent equivalent to Kahtoola NANOS (e.g., CAMP Chainsen Pro) at Teton Backcountry Rentals in Jackson: https://tetonbcrentals.com/gear/traction-microspikes/ — ~$10–15/day.
6. Alternative to Sheepeater Cliff
Consider swapping the 5-minute Sheepeater stop for extra time at Grand Prismatic Overlook or exploring the West Thumb boardwalk extension (opened 2024). You'll already be thermally-overloaded by Day 5!
7.Chico Hot Springs Update (Day 5 Optional) Confirmed closed mid-April through mid-May 2026 for pool renovations—skip this or swap to Yellowstone Hot Springs (8 miles north of Gardiner, open year-round, ~$18–20 adult entry) on Day 4 afternoon for a similar soak.
8.Bear Spray Rentals Rent in Jackson (e.g., Bear Aware/Teton Backcountry Rentals) for ~$16 for first 1–2 days + $4/day after (capped ~$28 for longer trips)—includes holster and training. Cheaper and eco-friendly vs. buying (~$40–50/can, can't fly with it).
9.Road Openings Confirmation Your plans align well: Grand Teton's key roads/pathways typically fully accessible by May 1; Yellowstone's South Entrance and core loops (including to Old Faithful) usually open early-mid May. North Entrance year-round. Monitor NPS apps/sites in spring 2026 for plowing updates.
10.Stargazing Opportunity With a new moon around May 16–17, expect exceptionally dark skies—perfect for stargazing from Cowboy Village fire pit (Days 1–2) or Gardiner VRBO. Bring a headlamp/red light to preserve night vision.
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