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This RV itinerary lets you check off three major national parks in one trip: Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier.
These parks sit in a natural south-to-north line, which makes them one of the most straightforward multi-park RV routes in the country. Many RVers have done this trip before, using the same general path, with good results.
The itinerary runs 10 days, starting in Wyoming and finishing in northern Montana. It balances driving days with time in each park and leaves room to adjust for weather, crowds, or campground availability. If you prefer a slower pace, it can easily be stretched into a two-week or longer trip by adding extra days at each park.
Tip: There are so many variables that go into planning an RV trip. I suggest using this itinerary as a template and adjusting it as needed to make it work for you.
Best Time to Go
Late June through early September works best. Yellowstone roads are typically fully open by early summer, and Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road usually opens sometime between late June and early July, depending on snowpack.
Route Overview
- Start: Grand Teton National Park, WY
- Finish: Glacier National Park, MT
- Total Distance: Roughly 900 to 1,100 miles of total driving, depending on campground choices and day-to-day activities. It’s 512 miles from the start at Grand Teton to the end at Glacier.
- Ideal RV Size: Works best for rigs under 40 feet, though larger RVs can still make it work with careful campground planning
*Travel time to and from Grand Teton National Park is not included in this itinerary. Depending on your starting point, you may need to add one or more days before Day 1 and after Day 10.
Days 1–3: Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton is often overshadowed by Yellowstone, but a lot of travelers, myself included, end up liking it just as much.
Day 1: Arrival and Scenic Drive
Arrive in the Jackson Hole area and set up camp either inside the park or in nearby towns like Jackson, WY or Driggs, ID. After settling in, consider taking a relaxed drive along Teton Park Road. Scenic pullouts are frequent, and wildlife sightings happen regularly.
Tip: If time allows, Signal Mountain Road offers a higher vantage point over the valley and makes a good late-day stop.
Day 2: Lakes and Short Hikes
Start early if you want avoid crowds. Jenny Lake and String Lake are popular for kayaking and canoeing, with rentals available near Jenny Lake. If paddling is not on the agenda, the Jenny Lake Trail to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point is a reliable option that delivers great views without an all-day commitment.
Later in the afternoon, head into the town of Jackson. The town square, antler arches, and local restaurants make for a fun evening outing.
Day 3: Sunrise and Travel to Yellowstone
Sunrise spots like Mormon Row, Schwabacher Landing, and Oxbow Bend are all within a short drive and offer different perspectives of the Tetons. After breakfast, pack up and head north toward Yellowstone.
If you have extra time, Yellowstone Lake makes a good lunch stop on the way into the park.
Days 4–6: Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone covers more ground than most people expect. Even with three full days, you won’t see everything. The goal here is to group sights by region to reduce drive time and avoid bouncing across the park.
Day 4: Geyser Basins and Old Faithful
Begin at Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin. Walk the boardwalks and take time to see more than just the main eruption. Nearby areas like Biscuit Basin and Lower Geyser Basin are great options that don’t require a long drive.
Later in the day, visit Grand Prismatic Spring. The overlook from the Fairy Falls trail provides a higher view that shows off the spring’s full color pattern.
Day 5: Wildlife Valleys and the Canyon
An early morning drive through Lamar Valley offers the best chance to spot wolves, bears, bison, and pronghorn. Even without a rare sighting, the valley itself is worth the drive.
Midday works well for the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. In the evening, Hayden Valley provides another opportunity for wildlife viewing.
Day 6: Mammoth and Norris
Spend the morning at Mammoth Hot Springs, where boardwalks wind through layered limestone terraces. After lunch in Mammoth or Gardiner, head toward Norris Geyser Basin. This is one of Yellowstone’s hottest thermal areas, where geysers and steam vents erupt less predictably than in other parts of the park.
Day 7: Travel Day to Glacier Country
This is the longest driving day of the trip. Expect most of the day to be spent on the road. Butte, MT works well as a midway stop for fuel, lunch, and a stretch break.
Set up camp in the Kalispell, Whitefish, or West Glacier area. Staying outside the park is common here due to limited RV campground availability inside Glacier.
Days 8–10: Glacier National Park
Glacier feels quieter and more rugged than Yellowstone. The terrain rises quickly, and many of the park’s highlights revolve around one road.
Day 8: Going-to-the-Sun Road
Arrive early. Parking fills fast, and vehicle restrictions apply on parts of the road. Many RVers drive a tow vehicle or toad for this day.
West-to-east offers the best views, with Logan Pass sitting at the center. If parking at Logan Pass is unavailable, Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake are good alternatives with easier access.
Day 9: Choose Your Adventure
This day is flexible by design. Options include:
- Hiking to Grinnell Glacier or Hidden Lake Overlook
- Spending time on Lake McDonald
- Visiting historic lodges like Lake McDonald Lodge or Glacier Park Lodge
Tip: Pick one main activity and leave the rest optional.
Day 10: Departure or Extension
Pack up and begin the trip home, or continue north into Canada if you’re looking for even more adventure. Nearby destinations like Coeur d’Alene, ID, also make a good trip add-on.
Know Before You Go
This itinerary is designed for RV travel, but a few things are worth understanding before you commit to the route.
Campground Availability
Getting campsites inside these parks can be challenging, especially in summer. This itinerary works best when you think in terms of camping zones rather than specific campgrounds. Many RVers stay just outside the parks and drive in daily, particularly in Yellowstone and Glacier.
RV Size and Road Restrictions
Smaller rigs have an easier time navigating in-park campgrounds and roads. Larger motorhomes and fifth wheels can still do this trip, but may need to rely more on base camping outside the parks and use a towed vehicle for sightseeing. Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road has vehicle length and height restrictions, so most RVers plan to drive it without their RV.
Driving Expectations
National park trips involve more driving than many people expect. Wildlife, narrow roads, scenic pullouts, and traffic backups are part of the experience. This itinerary balances sightseeing with travel days, but flexibility helps.
Seasonal Timing
Late June through early September is the most reliable window for road access. Snow can delay openings in higher elevations, particularly in Glacier. Always check the park road status before arrival.
Pace and Flexibility
Ten days provides a strong introduction to all three parks, not an exhaustive tour. Many RVers choose to slow this route down or skip certain stops based on personal interests, weather, or crowd levels.
Leave us your favorite things to do, spots to visit, or tips to help others plan a similar trip in the comments.
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