Anniversay trip to Yellowstone, GT and GNP in Sept. 2025

Question

My wife and I are planning a 50th anniversary trip the first 2 weeks of Sept. and could use info on loose itenary, moderate accomodations(hotels or VRBO(at a good Base Camp town) or just interesting places to lodge, good places to eat, must see spots as this will be our last time to be able to make this big trip. We love the outdoors but must be easy hikes up to 2 miles(due to age and ability), boat rides, bus tours (Red Bus for GTTSR possibly), picnics, wildlife, etc. We will be flying in and out of Bozeman then a rental car for the trip. Should we see Yellowstone first, GT then GNP or head up to GNP first and then track back? Hope this is enough info for an informed response. Thanks for all you guys do to help better enjoy our beautiful parks and sites along the way.

"Loving Life Retired"

Answer

Congratulations on planning your 50th anniversary trip! Your plans to visit Yellowstone, Grand Teton (GT), and Glacier National Park (GNP) are a fantastic way to celebrate such a special occasion, and early September is a perfect time to experience these stunning parks before the crowds of peak summer start to taper off.

Here’s a suggested itinerary based on your preferences for easy hikes, boat rides, wildlife, and scenic tours:

Yellowstone National Park (Days 1-3): Start with Yellowstone as it is a bit further south. It's a great base for exploring natural wonders and offers various easy hikes and scenic spots. Some must-see locations include:

Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin: See the famous Old Faithful geyser, and enjoy a short walk around the Upper Geyser Basin to explore other geysers and hot springs.
Lamar Valley: One of the best places in the park for wildlife viewing, especially bison, elk, and wolves.
Grand Prismatic Spring: A relatively short walk to view this stunning, colorful hot spring.
Yellowstone Lake: Take a scenic boat tour on Yellowstone Lake for beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Mammoth Hot Springs: A great place to explore from the boardwalks with a short hike to the upper terraces.

Grand Teton National Park (Days 4-6): After Yellowstone, head south to Grand Teton, which is just a short drive. Grand Teton offers spectacular mountain scenery, great wildlife viewing, and easy trails.

Jenny Lake: A boat tour across Jenny Lake is a great way to see the Tetons, followed by an easy hike up to Hidden Falls or Inspiration Point.
Colter Bay: Take a boat ride on Jackson Lake or explore the nearby easy trails that provide incredible mountain views.
Signal Mountain: Drive or take a short hike to the top for panoramic views of the park and Snake River Valley.
Wildlife Viewing: The park is known for its wildlife, so keep an eye out for elk, moose, bears, and bison.

Glacier National Park (Days 7-10): Finish your trip in Glacier National Park, which offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country. For easy hikes and beautiful views, try the following:

Going-to-the-Sun Road: This iconic road offers breathtaking views of the park’s mountains, lakes, and valleys. You can take a Red Bus tour to get the full experience without the hassle of driving.
Lake McDonald: Enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake and nearby short trails like the Trail of the Cedars.
Many Glacier: If time allows, explore this area, which has some great short hikes and is excellent for wildlife viewing.
Wildlife Viewing: Glacier is also a great place to spot wildlife such as bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and bears.

Accommodations: For lodging, you can mix hotels and VRBOs depending on your preference for comfort and amenities. Here are some suggestions for a mix of moderate options:

Yellowstone: Stay in West Yellowstone or Gardiner for easy access to the park. In the park, you can try accommodations like the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel or Lake Yellowstone Hotel for a more scenic and historic stay.
Grand Teton: The Jackson Lake Lodge offers great views of the Tetons and is a comfortable, moderate option. Alternatively, try a VRBO in Jackson or Moose for a more secluded experience.
Glacier National Park: For Glacier, consider staying at the Many Glacier Hotel or Lake McDonald Lodge for a classic park experience. There are also many VRBO options in nearby towns like Columbia Falls or Whitefish.

Dining: Here are some good dining recommendations for each area:

Yellowstone: Check out Old Faithful Inn Dining Room for classic park dining, or The West Yellowstone Dinner for local fare. If you’re staying in Gardiner, try The Lighthouse Restaurant.
Grand Teton: Snake River Grill in Jackson is a great option for upscale dining, and Jenny Lake Lodge offers fine dining with spectacular views.
Glacier National Park: Russell’s Fireside Dining Room at the Many Glacier Hotel is a favorite, or head to The Lodge at Whitefish Lake for a more luxurious experience.

Itinerary Order: Starting with Yellowstone is a good plan since it’s the largest and will require more time to explore. Then head south to Grand Teton, and finish your trip with Glacier National Park, which is a bit further away but worth it for its dramatic landscapes. The order you suggested is ideal!

Enjoy your 50th anniversary trip! You’re visiting some of the most beautiful places in the world, and it sounds like it will be an unforgettable experience. Safe travels and happy exploring!