4 days road trip in Western Wyoming

Day 0. Start of the journey

We entered Wyoming from Colorado. And most of our first day (though I don’t count it in this post) was on the road. We drove through wast deserted south Wyoming, passing old small towns. Then we reached the eastern border of Shoshone National Forest. US 287 merged into US 26. With each mile it became greener and fresher, soon we started to see snow-covered peaks on the right of Absaroka Range and the Wind River Range on the left. The closer we got to Moran the more impressing scenery became.

Sunset at Grand Teton’s viewpoint

There are dozens of possibilities though we selected Snake River Overlook and Oxbow Bend

Stay at Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch

I cannot think about the best place to stay during the trip. Situated right between two national parks on a John D. Rockefeller Jr Memorial Parkway, the lodge is the best place to stay overnight. They have a restaurant, cafe, souvenir and convenience shop. They have the lodge, premium cabins with showers, camping cabins where you could have your own campfire, and regular camping spots. Though I booked a premium cabin, it was one of the cheapest stays during our Wyoming and Colorado vacations. Plus we got the view over the river, and a place was super quiet!

Day 1. Full Day exploration of Yellowstone National Park

Okay, so now I would tell how I planned the trip. Unfortunately, on the morning of that day, we realized that we got a flat tire, and half of the day we spent changing a spare tire, driving to Jackson, waiting for a tire to be fixed, and driving back. The best way in that situation for us was to switch plans and explore Grand Teton (day 2), and on next morning drive to Yellowstone. It made the logistic of the trip tricky though saved the trip.
The best way to check all park in one day is to wake up super easy and beat the crowds. The whole plane I described in the previous post.

Return to Flagg Ranch

Return to the cabin, have dinner, explore the river.

Day 2. Explore Grand Teton

The best way to start a day at Grand Teton is to wake up early for sunrise, drive to Snake River Overlook, or J.P. Cunningham Cabin, or Mormon Row to watch and photograph how Tetons change the color and start to glow.
Then go get your breakfast, and explore the park. See everything we explored in this post.

Drive to Jackson for the overnight stay

We stayed at a small hotel in Jackson. Though summer meant to be not a high season for the town, the price for the night was on the higher side.

Day 3. Wake up in Jackson

Wake up early and get your coffee and breakfast pastry at The Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant, or take your coffee with you and walk downtown, Jackson. The place is cozy and small. We’ve been there on the 4th of July, and the town held a parade. It was a show!

Drive and explore the Wind River Range

One of the most spectacular (after Tetons, of course 🙂 ) range in Wyoming os meant to be explored. If you have time, skills, or desire – take a backcountry trip – impossible breathtaking Island Lake or scenic Cirque of Towers. If not there are more accessible or shorter day hikes. We did Photographer’s Point Day Hike from Elkhart Park Trailhead. But the options include