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Itinerary: help me fill a few days

Hi

I have booked flights into Denver from UK as I found a great deal. Have now realised I arrive the Memorial Weekend. I know May is along way off, but as I know it is a popular National Holiday I want to at least book accommodation in main tourist locations.

I have planned my WY part for Yellowstone on Grand Tetons at start of trip and RMNP at end but have a few days with nothing, and would appreciate suggestions.

Possible itinerary

22 May: Arrive Denver. Start north and overnight perhaps in Ft Collins or Cheyenne. Note: International flight due to land 16:30. May be best to stay Denver

23rd: Cody WY for an overnight

24th: East Entrance of Yellowstone, overnight Canyon or Lake area

25th: Overnight Canyon or Lake area

26th: Overnight Old Faithful area

27th: Overnight Old Faithful area

28th: Overnight Jackson/Grand Tetons

29th: Overnight Jackson/Grand Tetons. Maybe 3rd night Jackson

30 - 3rd June - ????

3-6th June RMNP Estes Park.

6th June: Depart Denver. Flight 18:30

Your itinerary looks well-structured around Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and RMNP. Since you have a few days in late May with nothing booked yet (30 May–2 June), you can use this time to explore scenic drives, mountain towns, and nature areas between Wyoming and Colorado, without overloading your schedule.

Here are some suggestions for filling those days:

  • Day 30 May – Drive from Jackson to Salt Lake City or Bear Lake area: If you want a change of pace, consider heading west toward Bear Lake (Idaho/Utah border) for a scenic stop, then onward to Salt Lake City for a night. Alternatively, spend time exploring Grand Teton National Park in more depth.
  • 31 May – Scenic Drive & Outdoor Stops: Take the John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway south through Grand Teton, or explore the Snake River area for wildlife and light hikes. Optional stops along the way could include Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake viewpoints.
  • 1 June – Drive toward Steamboat Springs or Winter Park: This can break up the long drive to Estes Park, and you’ll get to experience a Colorado mountain town. Steamboat Springs has hot springs and a charming downtown. Winter Park offers alpine scenery and hiking opportunities.
  • 2 June – Arrive Estes Park: Arrive early enough to start exploring RMNP in the late afternoon. Consider a short scenic drive like Bear Lake or Sprague Lake loops to stretch your legs and enjoy the views.

Additional optional experiences along these days:

  • Light hikes in Grand Teton: Taggart Lake or String Lake loops (1-2 hours, moderate, good for wildlife viewing).
  • Visit small mountain towns for dining and local culture: Victor/Leadville if coming south through Colorado, or Alpine/Driggs in Idaho if heading west first.
  • Hot springs options: Granite Hot Springs (Grand Teton area) or Steamboat Springs in Colorado.
  • Photography stops: Snake River Overlook, Oxbow Bend, and Jackson Town Square.

General tips:

  • Book accommodations in advance, as Memorial Day weekend is busy and popular mountain towns fill quickly.
  • Expect snow patches at higher elevations in RMNP and Grand Teton; pack layers and waterproof shoes.
  • Use travel time to enjoy scenic drives rather than long hikes every day, given the tight schedule and distance covered.

Following this, your arrival at Estes Park on 2 June gives you three full days in RMNP (3–5 June) before your flight from Denver on 6 June, allowing a comfortable pace to enjoy the park without rushing.

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