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You need at least a week to realistically see all the highlights in Yellowstone and the Tetons. If you only have 2.5 days I’d pick one and stay in or as close to the park as possible
2.5 days to cover Teton and Yellowstone - no way! I did this exact trip last year in an RV. Spent 2 nights in Jackson and basically has one day in the park and another day we did white water rafting on the snake river. We spent more time in Yellowstone but you need to realize that depending on where you are staying, it could be an hour drive or more just to get into Yellowstone. You won’t even scratch the service. I think we did 3 days in the park and didn’t hit everything we wanted to. I think your trip is rushed and you won’t fully enjoy it. Or just focus on one location.
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Before you book anything I would check the latest conditions. All entrances are closed due to massive flooding and roads literally falling into the river in the north side (NPS IG has a video as well). All entrances are closed and I imagine this will take a significant amount of time to rebuild so this may impact your decision on Yellowstone
OP just got to the Tetons it’s a better park anyway
I LOVE the Tetons and would honestly recommend spending all of your time there and Skipping Yellowstone all together
Depending on how long of hikes you’re looking for Cascade Canyon is a great choice, but will definitely take you all day if you want to make it up to Lake Solitude
Over the past 2 years I’ve spend 2.5 weeks in the Tetons and only 1 day in Yellowstone, off of that experience I. Yellowstone it was mostly traffic and I personally liked the view of the mountains more than the wildlife Yellowstone had to offer
Skip Yellowstone, it's your grandparents park. Drive for 30-60 min, stop and see something for 15, rinse repeat. Hiking and views are way better in the Tetons.
You can pick one section of Yellowstone, definitely won’t be able to see the whole thing
I'm jealous. You're gonna have a great time. I go to Teton more frequently (hunting with my uncle), but last time I was in Yellowstone was August 2019. Then, being 2019 and August, it wasn't too crowded, but I think crowds at national parks have gotten bigger since COVID (not sure if that's yet dissipated).
Where are you staying? And what do you want to do? See the sights or the animals? Or experience things, like whitewater rafting?
On my 2019 trip, we (wife and a one year old) were trying to do things cheap and last minute (and I've got camping experience). We stayed south of Jackson (the Hoback), in a rustic, camping type arrangement. Woke up and headed into Jackson for breakfast and a half day of walking around town. Headed from there to Jenny Lake in Teton. We had scored a last minute lucky vacancy in the tent cabins, which are even more rustic. Wife saw an elk wander right by our campsite, but otherwise don't expect to see as much wildlife in Teton as YS. You can rent a little boat or swim in Jenny Lake.
Next day we headed into Yellowstone. We had scored another last minute vacancy at the Old Faithful Lodge Cabins, so with the security of knowing we could stay in the park that night, we puttered around the park all day. Around dinner we got to Old Faithful. We watched the geyser, had dinner in a basically deserted dining hall, and then watched the geyser again, sitting on rocking chairs on the porch watching the sun go down. Next morning we headed north out of the park, which takes you through Lamar Valley, which, as others have said, is great but out of the way unless you actually want to drive out the north entrance like I did.
I had the advantage of having family near the parks, and just enough camping gear and know how to rough it a bit. Otherwise I think you need to know where you're sleeping before you go into the parks, otherwise you risk a 4-5 hour drive and expensive lodging if you're scrambling after the sun goes down.
That was a lot. But happy to answer questions.
This is detailed and very helpful! Thanks
Try Glacier National Park. We did that in 2020. Even with half the park closed due to COVID, it was awesome.
The crowds around Yellowstone can be bad but it’s a huge park. Any “touristy” attractions like Old Faithful, the sulfur fields and the sulfur lake thing (I forget their names) will be super crowded but they’re must-sees. If you find other hikes/ “B-list” sights, the crowds thin out pretty quickly.
The Grand Tetons have smaller crowds but it’s a smaller park. I love this park- some of my favorite hiking- but, there aren’t as many “attraction” as Yellowstone. Honestly, I would only go here if you’re looking to hike.
You can squeeze both in over 2 days but you’ll be driving a lot- you’ll probably, only have time to do the attractions/ hikes you can drive up to.
Also, just an FYI, when in the parks, try not to speed. The speed limits are comically low so going 20+ mph over is very easy. Speeding (also parking) is the one thing the police will actually ticket you for. Depending on the officer’s mood, they can make your life miserable (I.e. make you appear in court).
I’d change your trip, as of right now Yellowstone may be closed for the rest of summer. They’re letting park rangers and workers know to be prepared to not have a full season.
Yes, we’re no longer going there given the flooding