Routes · Americas

Almaty to Wyoming: Grand Teton and Yellowstone

Almaty → Jackson (Grand Teton) → Yellowstone

Geysers, peaks & wildlife Best season (general guide): Jun–Sep

Yellowstone was the world's first national park, established in 1872, and it holds more geysers and hot springs than anywhere else on Earth. Just to the south, Grand Teton National Park has some of the most striking mountain scenery in the US. This route spends seven nights between the two. From Almaty you'll connect through Europe or Asia and a US hub.

How to pace it: Spend days one to three in Jackson (Grand Teton): day one, Jackson town square; day two, Jenny Lake and Inspiration Point; day three, wildlife drive and Snake River views. Then spend days four to seven in Yellowstone: day four, north into Yellowstone, then Old Faithful; day five, Grand Prismatic and the geyser basins; day six, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone; day seven, Lamar Valley at dawn.

Jackson is a western town with wooden boardwalks and elk-antler arches on its square. In Grand Teton, a boat crosses Jenny Lake to the trail to Inspiration Point, and drives along the valley floor often reveal moose, bison and pronghorn.

Yellowstone is huge, so base yourself inside or near the park. Old Faithful erupts regularly, and boardwalks lead through the geyser basins. Grand Prismatic Spring, with its rings of orange, yellow and blue, is best seen from the overlook trail. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone has a waterfall nearly twice the height of Niagara.

In the north-east, Lamar Valley is known as one of the best places to see wolves, bison and bears, especially at dawn and dusk. Keep your distance from all wildlife, as the park requires.

Most park roads are open from late spring to autumn, according to the National Park Service. June to September is the best time, but snow can fall in any month at high elevations.

Wildlife is often easiest to spot early in the morning, so plan early starts and rest in the middle of the day.

Good to know: Book accommodation in or near Yellowstone months ahead. Distances are long, and traffic can stop for wildlife, so allow plenty of time. Carry bear spray on hikes.

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