Sometimes all you have is a day! When visiting Jackson Hole, it’s possible to visit Yellowstone National Park in one day. With its proximity to town, many visitors can easily plan a day trip to this popular destination. Even if you are planning to drive from Jackson to Yellowstone in one day, you can still see some of the park’s most popular destinations. Discover how you can spend one day at Yellowstone National Park with our guide below.
Driving from Jackson to Yellowstone National Park
Plan for an estimated hour and 15-minute drive from Jackson to the South entrance of the park.
The south entrance is the easiest if you are coming from Jackson. Use the map below for directions to Yellowstone from the Pony Express Motel. The entrance fee to enter the park is $70 for a private, non-commercial vehicle.
http://goo.gl/maps/nL89A2Qd7ZwpEgZn7
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Upon entering the park, you’ll drive 20 miles before reaching the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Here, visitors are able to get out and explore some of the park’s most notable geothermal features. Tour the ¼-mile inner boardwalk loop or the ½-mile outer loop on the beautiful shores of Lake Yellowstone. On the way, you will find Lewis Lake and Lewis Lake Falls, which makes for a nice stop to help break up the drive.
Old Faithful Geyser Basin
No doubt, if you are planning a day trip to Yellowstone, you will want to stop and see Old Faithful. Aptly named for its on-time eruptions, you can plan your visit by using the National Park’s schedule of geyser activity. Grab a seat and sit back and watch as 8,000+ gallons of scalding hot water shoot out of the ground reaching as high as 180 feet in the air. Old Faithful is located about 30 minutes west from West Thumb Geyser Basin.
Norris Geyser Basin
Next up is the Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest, oldest, and most dynamic of the park’s thermal areas. Two areas make up the basin: Porcelain Basin and the Back Basin. Each features a boardwalk trail access for a chance to see some of the geysers up close.
Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
Don’t leave without making a stop at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Located 20 minutes from the Norris Geyser Basin, the impressive canyon with the tumbling waters of the Lower Falls makes for one of the most impressive sites inside the park. View the falls and canyon from Lookout Point, Artist Point, and Red Rock Point.
Stay at Pony Express Motel
When visiting Yellowstone National Park in one day, you’ll be tired! Why not rest up at the Pony Express Motel? Our budget-friendly motel is located 58 miles from the south entrance to the park, making it the perfect day trip from Jackson.
Guests enjoy comfortable and clean rooms, budget-friendly rates, and friendly staff when staying at the Pony Express Motel. From our basic family room accommodations to the larger deluxe two-bedroom suite, we have something for all travelers!