Summer National Park Road Trip: 10-Day Jackson Hole to Banff Itinerary
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Are you ready to embark on a breathtaking summer adventure through the American and Canadian Rockies, from the rugged peaks of Jackson Hole to the turquoise lakes of Banff, hitting world-class national parks, scenic byways, and charming towns along the way? We spent over two months of 2025 exploring some of the United States and Canada’s best national parks, and this portion of our trip was our absolute favorite.
Here’s how to make the most of 10 epic days in the U.S. and Canadian Rockies.
Day 1: Arrival in Jackson Hole, WY
Arrive in Jackson Hole, and start your adventure in the heart of Wyoming’s wilderness.
For lunch, grab a bite at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar for a classic Western experience or try Everest Momo for fresh, flavorful Nepalese cuisine.
:Then, take the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram up to the top of the Tetons. Don’t miss the waffle snack at Corbet’s Cabin at the summit while soaking in sweeping mountain views.
In the evening, explore the town of Jackson from art galleries to boutique shops and the iconic elk antler arches in Town Square. If you’re visiting during rodeo season, cap the evening with a rodeo show.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: 49’er Inn & Suites – Simple, comfortable, and right in the heart of Jackson. Perfect for families or solo travelers who want easy access to downtown without breaking the bank.
Moderate: Hotel Terra Jackson Hole – Modern, stylish, and eco-friendly with easy access to town and outdoor adventures. Great for travelers looking for comfort with a contemporary mountain vibe.
Luxury: Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa – Luxurious rooms, stunning Teton views, a full-service spa, and upscale amenities for the ultimate mountain getaway.
Travel Tip: Summer evenings are lively in Jackson, so grab a local brew or gelato as you stroll around town.
Day 2: Grand Teton National Park Full Day Tour
Watch the sunrise at Schwabacher Landing, a photographer’s dream with perfect reflections of the Tetons in the Snake River. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet the moose family that call this area home.
Drive through the historic Mormon Row, snapping photos of classic homesteads against the Teton backdrop.
Head to Jenny Lake (get there as early as possible before the parking lot is full) and hike one way along the lake and return via the scenic Jenny Lake Cruise for a relaxing, picturesque experience.
Stop at Oxbow Bend for a picnic or casual bite while taking in reflections of Mount Moran and the Tetons.
WHERE TO STAY:
Overall: Headwaters Lodge & Cabins – perfectly situated between Grand Teton and Yellowstone for easy access the next day.
Travel Tip: Hiking and cruise options vary by season, so confirm schedules & book ahead of time to plan your Jenny Lake adventure.
Day 3: Yellowstone South Loop Highlights
Enter Yellowstone as early as possible through the South gate, and explore iconic southern Yellowstone sights like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the geyser basins.
Take in wildlife and photo ops at Hayden Valley, ideally timing your visit for sunset, when bison and elk are active.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Gray Wolf Inn & Suites – Clean, comfortable, and conveniently located near the park entrance. A great option for travelers looking for basic amenities at an affordable price.
Moderate: Kelly Inn West Yellowstone – Spacious rooms, friendly service, and a central location with easy access to shops, dining, and Yellowstone National Park.
Luxury: Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone – Charming, well-appointed cabins with upscale touches, cozy comforts, and a prime location just minutes from the park entrance.
Travel Tip: You can also opt to stay inside Yellowstone for convenience, but you should plan to book early as availability is quite limited!
Day 4: Yellowstone North Loop Highlights
Focus on northern wonders: Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Fall, and the petrified forests.
For wildlife lovers, Lamar Valley offers unforgettable sunset views, a prime location for spotting wolves, bison, and elk.
WHERE TO STAY:
Overall: Silver Gate Lodging – Simple, cozy cabins with basic amenities and easy access to Yellowstone’s northeast entrance. Perfect for travelers looking for affordability and convenience.
Day 5: Beartooth Highway to Great Falls, MT
Drive the Beartooth Highway, one of America’s most scenic byways, with winding mountain roads and jaw-dropping alpine views. Stop at pullouts for photos of snow-capped peaks, wildflower meadows, and alpine lakes.
End the day in Great Falls for overnight accommodations.
WHERE TO STAY:
Overall: SpringHill Suites Great Falls – Modern, spacious, and thoughtfully designed for comfort, offering bright suites with separate living areas, a complimentary breakfast, and easy access to downtown and local attractions.
Day 6: Glacier National Park – Many Glacier
Drive to Glacier National Park and spend the day exploring the Many Glacier area.
Hike trails that feature waterfalls, alpine lakes, and wildlife spotting.
Overnight on the east side of Glacier for convenient access to the park.
WHERE TO STAY:
Overall: Glacier Peaks Hotel – Conveniently located in Browning, a short drive from Glacier National Park’s eastern entrance, this modern hotel offers comfortable rooms, friendly service, and easy access to nearby dining and attractions.
Day 7: Glacier National Park – Going-to-the-Sun Road
Drive the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping at highlights like Logan Pass, Hidden Lake Overlook, and St. Mary Lake.
Take short hikes along the way for more intimate mountain experiences.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Belton Chalet – Historic, charming, and full of character, this cozy lodge offers comfortable rooms and easy access to Glacier National Park. Perfect for travelers who want a mix of history, charm, and affordability.
Moderate: Under Canvas Glacier – A unique glamping experience with spacious safari-style tents, stunning views, and curated amenities. Ideal for travelers seeking adventure with a touch of comfort.
Luxury: West Glacier Cabin Village – Upscale cabins with modern amenities, beautiful surroundings, and a prime location near park entrances. Perfect for travelers looking for a luxurious, private base while exploring Glacier National Park.
Day 8: Drive to Banff, AB
Enjoy the scenic drive from Glacier NP to Banff, crossing into Canada. Stop at Kootenay National Park viewpoints and other scenic pullouts along the way.
Arrive in Banff and settle into your accommodations. Stroll Banff Avenue, exploring shops, galleries, and dining.
Take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for a stunning sunset panorama of the town and surrounding peaks.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: HI Banff Alpine Centre Hostel – Simple, cozy, and steps from downtown Banff. Perfect for families or solo travelers looking to save.
Moderate: Buffalo Mountain Lodge (Banff) or Falcon Crest Lodge (Canmore) – Comfortable, scenic, and great for ski or snow adventures with moderate pricing.
Luxury: Fairmont Banff Springs or Rimrock Resort Hotel – Iconic mountain resorts with fine dining, spa facilities, and breathtaking winter views.
Day 9: Banff & The Iconic Blue Lakes
Spend the day visiting the famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, using the summer shuttle system to manage parking.
Hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House at Lake Louise for tea and pastries with a view.
Explore Moraine Lake and its surrounding trails, soaking in the vivid turquoise water and Moraine Valley backdrop.
Travel Tip: Arrive as early as possible to Moraine Lake. Shuttle timing can affect crowd levels, and the early morning light is magical for photos.
Day 10: Drive to Calgary and Fly Home
Take the scenic drive to Calgary, stopping at Canmore or Bow Valley Parkway viewpoints if time allows.
Drop off your rental car and fly home, wrapping up a Rockies adventure that spans Wyoming, Montana, and Alberta, with a perfect mix of mountains, wildlife, lakes, and small-town charm.
This itinerary blends adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation, making it perfect for families, couples, or small groups. From the towering Tetons to the turquoise lakes of Banff, every day is packed with unforgettable landscapes, hikes, and experiences.
If you're ready to start planning your own mountain adventure, I’d love to help you customize the perfect route, book your stays, and create a seamless trip from start to finish. Reach out today and let’s start building your dream getaway!
