Cody to Jackson via Yellowstone: 7-Day Road Trip
Few road trips capture the spirit of the American West like a journey from Cody through Yellowstone National Park to Jackson Hole. Over seven unforgettable days, travelers move through historic cowboy towns, witness erupting geysers and colorful hot springs, spot wildlife roaming wide valleys, and explore some of the most iconic landscapes in the United States.
This itinerary blends western heritage, national park wonders and mountain-town charm, creating the perfect introduction to Wyoming’s wide-open spaces.
Day 1: Arrive in Cody and Discover Western History
Your adventure begins in Cody, Wyoming, a town founded by Buffalo Bill himself and widely known as the Rodeo Capital of the World.
Start the day by exploring the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, one of the premier cultural institutions in the region. Inside this remarkable complex are five museums covering western art, Native American culture, firearms history, Yellowstone wildlife and the life of Buffalo Bill Cody. Visitors often plan for a quick stop but find themselves immersed for hours in its world-class exhibits.
Later, take a short drive to Old Trail Town, where historic frontier buildings have been preserved to showcase life in the Old West. The site includes the cabins of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, historic wagons and stagecoaches and the cabin of Curley, a Crow scout who fought at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
As evening arrives, enjoy dinner and live music at Cody Cattle Company, where a family-style meal is paired with an energetic cowboy music show. Afterwards, head over to the Cody Nite Rodeo, a beloved local tradition that has been entertaining visitors since 1938.
For lodging, settle into the Chamberlin Inn, a charming boutique property near Cody’s historic downtown.
Day 2: Reflect at Heart Mountain and Explore Cody’s Local Culture
Begin the day with a meaningful visit to the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center in nearby Powell. During World War II, more than 14,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated here following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Today, the museum preserves their stories and provides powerful insight into civil rights and resilience.
After returning to Cody, spend the afternoon enjoying the town at a slower pace. Browse the shops and galleries downtown, visit local outfitters or simply enjoy the relaxed rhythm of a western town surrounded by mountains and open plains.
Dinner can once again be enjoyed in Cody before preparing for tomorrow’s journey into Yellowstone.
Day 3: From Cody to Yellowstone’s Geothermal Wonders
Fuel up with breakfast at The Station by Cody Coffee, known for its retro-inspired atmosphere and excellent coffee.
From here, begin the scenic drive into Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the United States.
Your first stop is the West Thumb Geyser Basin, where steaming geothermal pools sit along the shoreline of Yellowstone Lake. Boardwalks wind through colorful hot springs while steam rises dramatically from the lake’s edge.
Nearby, the West Thumb Information Station offers ranger programs and visitor information inside a historic ranger facility built in the 1920s.
Continue deeper into the park toward one of the world’s most famous natural spectacles: Old Faithful. Erupting roughly twenty times a day, the geyser shoots boiling water nearly 180 feet into the air.
Before or after the eruption, stop at the Old Faithful Visitor and Education Center, where exhibits explain the geothermal science that powers Yellowstone’s geysers.
For dinner, enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the Obsidian Dining Room at Old Faithful Snow Lodge.
Spend the night nearby at the iconic Old Faithful Inn, a National Historic Landmark built in 1904.
Day 4: Explore Yellowstone’s Most Famous Geyser Basins
Dedicate this day to exploring Yellowstone’s geothermal heart.
Start by walking through the Upper Geyser Basin, home to the largest concentration of geysers in the world. Along the boardwalk trails, you’ll encounter famous features such as Grand Geyser, Castle Geyser, Riverside Geyser and Daisy Geyser.
Later, visit Midway Geyser Basin, where the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring glows in rings of deep blue, orange, and yellow created by heat-loving microorganisms.
This area is one of the most photographed places in Yellowstone, and seeing it in person is unforgettable.
Spend another relaxing evening in the Old Faithful area, enjoying the quieter side of the park after many daytime visitors depart.
Day 5: Yellowstone to Grand Teton Scenic Drive
Wake early and grab breakfast at the Bear Paw Deli at Old Faithful Inn before beginning the scenic drive south towards Grand Teton National Park.
This stretch offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the American West.
Lewis Falls
A quick stop along the road reveals the beautiful Lewis Falls, cascading through forested cliffs just before leaving Yellowstone.
Jackson Lake Overlook
Entering Grand Teton National Park, pause at scenic viewpoints overlooking Jackson Lake with the rugged Teton Range rising in the distance.
Oxbow Bend
One of the most photographed spots in the Tetons, Oxbow Bend reflects Mount Moran in the Snake River and is a prime wildlife viewing location.
Continue toward the charming mountain town of Jackson, where western heritage meets outdoor adventure.
Spend the evening exploring Jackson Town Square, famous for its four elk-antler arches and lively collection of galleries, boutiques and restaurants.
Day 6: Wildlife Adventures in Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole is one of the best places in North America to see wildlife.
Consider joining a guided wildlife safari, where local experts help visitors spot animals such as moose, elk, bison, bald eagles, wolves and trumpeter swans. Guides know where wildlife is most active and can help maximize the viewing experience.
Spend the afternoon exploring Jackson at your own pace. Stroll the town square, browse art galleries featuring western landscapes, or relax at a café while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains.
For dinner, enjoy a memorable meal at The Kitchen, a refined yet relaxed restaurant known for modern cuisine influenced by Asian flavors and seasonal ingredients.
Stay overnight at The Lodge at Jackson Hole, a comfortable and luxurious base for exploring the area.
Day 7: Relax and Explore Jackson Before Departure
On your final day, take time to soak in the atmosphere of Jackson Hole before heading home.
Enjoy a slow morning wandering through the shops around Town Square or relaxing in the park beneath the famous elk-antler arches.
The surrounding region offers endless outdoor opportunities, from scenic drives to hiking trails and river views. Even a short walk offers sweeping mountain scenery and the sense of space that makes Wyoming unforgettable.
From Cody to Jackson, this itinerary is the perfect way to experience some of Wyoming's historic cowboy towns, geothermal wonders, wildlife encounters and mountain landscapes that will leave you with lasting memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need for Cody, Yellowstone and Jackson Hole?
A 7-day itinerary allows you to explore Cody’s western history, Yellowstone’s geysers and geothermal basins and the wildlife and mountain scenery of Grand Teton and Jackson Hole without rushing.
What is the most scenic route from Cody to Yellowstone?
The Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway (US-14/16/20) between Cody and Yellowstone’s East Entrance is widely considered one of the most scenic drives in Wyoming. The route passes Buffalo Bill Dam, the Shoshone River canyon and historic Pahaska Tepee.
What should you see between Yellowstone and Jackson?
When driving south through Yellowstone into Grand Teton National Park, stop at Lewis Falls, Jackson Lake Overlook and Oxbow Bend, where the Teton Range rises dramatically above the Snake River.
Is Cody a good base for visiting Yellowstone?
Yes. Cody sits just one hour from Yellowstone’s East Entrance, making it one of the best gateway towns for visitors wanting to combine western culture with national park exploration.
What is the best time of year for this road trip?
The best time of year for visiting Cody, Yellowstone and Jackson is late spring through early fall, when roads are open, and wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent.
