10 Tips From Your Guide For Traveling to Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

Eyeing out the Grand Teton & Yellowstone: Hiking, Camping & Glamping trip on Skyhook? There’s no better way to actively explore these stunning national parks than with an expert guide who knows every nook and cranny. Their knowledge and expertise enrich your experience, so you can make the most of these spectacular wilderness areas.

Guides also know a good thing or two about prepping for a trip. We asked Megan Kennedy, Skyhook’s expert local Guide, for tips on traveling to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Here’s what Megan wants you to know ahead of your big adventure.

The early bird really does “catch the worm” when visiting or staying in these two national parks. I always recommend getting an early start to your day to beat the crowds and maximize your wildlife sightings. The day visitors are still making their way in, so the popular attractions are usually less crowded. It’s your opportunity to take it all in with a bit more space and serenity around you.

Also, many animals are more active during the cooler morning hours. It’s a good time to watch them feeding, moving around, and interacting with one another. As the day progresses and temperatures rise, they often get more sedate and move away to nap somewhere quiet.

Who doesn’t love getting off the beaten track? But, when hiking in Grand Teton and Yellowstone, it’s so important to respect the delicate ecosystems AND stay safe by sticking to designated trails.

The truth is, off-trail hiking can damage fragile vegetation and disturb wildlife habitats, without you even realizing it.

It can also pose risks of encountering dangerous terrain. When hiking, you’re experiencing the land on its terms. Even if you stick to the trails, there’s still the possibility of coming across swollen rivers, eroded pathways, and fallen trees.

The chances of meeting animals in closer proximity are also higher if you venture off-path. Wild animals can act unpredictably when they’re surprised, feel cornered, or are with their young. They may perceive you as a threat and become aggressive or attack.

Risks to you aside, animals that harm humans may eventually have to be killed. It’s a sad situation that we should avoid at all costs.

The weather in Montana and Wyoming can change rapidly. Even more so when hiking in the mountains—you really can experience all the seasons in a day. So, it’s best to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures on the trails throughout the day.

I recommend layering your clothing or packing extra layers in your daypack for easy accessibility. At a minimum, I always carry a waterproof jacket and pants to stay comfortable in changing conditions.

Earlier, I spoke about keeping a safe distance from wild animals. By far the best way to get a great view is to look at them through binoculars. As a guide, I don’t go anywhere without my pair. You get to see so many of the finer details that would be impossible to observe otherwise.

With Yellowstone and Grand Teton being home to wildlife such as bears, wolves, elk, and bison, binoculars are so handy for watching (and spotting) these magnificent species from a safe distance.

If you’re on the roads, be prepared for traffic delays caused by wildlife sightings, especially in Yellowstone. Everyone slows down or pulls over to look at the animals and things can get a bit chaotic as vehicles navigate the section. Patience is key! I recommend having good snacks and good company on hand to help ease any stressful situations.

If you step out of your vehicle, keep a safe distance from the animals. Always follow park regulations to ensure the safety of both wildlife and visitors.

Once in the national parks, you’re a guest in the animals' home. If you encounter wildlife, keep a safe distance. Never approach or try to feed animals, even if they look cuddly and like they wouldn’t hurt a soul.

Unfortunately, interactions between humans and animals can go wrong. It can result in them acting a certain way around people. For example, if visitors consistently feed tidbits, they might associate humans with being a food source. Through no fault of their own, they might then get upset and turn aggressive if they approach someone and don’t receive something to eat.

Respect animals’ space and observe them from a safe distance to minimize stress and avoid dangerous encounters. If your presence causes a reaction, you might be too close.

Both Grand Teton and Yellowstone have high average elevations. If you’re hiking, you’re likely venturing into the mountains too. Keep in mind that hiking at elevation can dehydrate you more quickly than normal. Make a point of drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and taking electrolytes if necessary. There are tons of designated water stations in the parks, so grab your refillable water bottle and top it up at every opportunity.

Do your bit in preserving the natural beauty of the parks by practicing Leave No Trace principles. It’s a wonderful philosophy that’s easy to follow. Simply pack up all your trash, stay on the designated trails, and leave natural and cultural resources undisturbed for future generations to enjoy.

Bears are common in both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Because they have become so used to seeing humans, they no longer fear people. Therefore, bears are often quite comfortable with getting close, which is when things can go wrong.

There’s the other side of it of course, where you might surprise them. In either case, interactions with bears can be dangerous, so be bear-aware at all times.

It’s a good idea to carry bear spray, hike in groups, and make noise while hiking to alert bears of your presence and avoid surprising them.

While iconic attractions like Old Faithful and Jenny Lake are must-sees, don't overlook the quieter spots in the parks. Explore lesser-known trails and viewpoints to experience the parks' natural beauty away from the crowds.

Naturally, the perfect way to do this is to join a guided trip and overnight in the parks. Let your guide show you the hidden gems you’d otherwise not know about.

A big thank you to Megan for sharing these awesome tips. If you have any questions before signing up for your Grand Teton and Yellowstone trip, get in touch. We can’t wait to welcome you to this amazing part of the world.