The Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide: Cheyenne to Yellowstone in 5 Days

Hello, fellow family travellers! We’re Jummai, Bob, and our two young explorers from JB Travel World, passionate about affordable adventures that bring us closer together. Our 5-day July journey from Cheyenne to Yellowstone along US-26 was unforgettable—steaming geysers, roaming bison, and breathtaking Teton peaks, all within a family-friendly budget. This road trip is an adapted version of a route from USA’s Best Trips by Lonely Planet, tailored with our own family-friendly twists. Want to discover our top tips and gear up for your own trip? Let’s get started!

*Planning a family escape? Where are you headed? Tell us below!*

Why This Trip is Ideal for Families

• Affordable: $35 entry covers Grand Teton and Yellowstone for a week—most attractions are free once inside.
• Kid-Friendly: Easy trails, erupting geysers, and animal spotting keep everyone entertained.
• Flexible: Choose picnics or restaurant meals, camping or cabins—it’s up to you.
• Scenic: US-26 stretches from plains to mountains without detours.

*Got a family trip in mind? Tell us your dream destination below!*

Top Tip: We always try to plan our healthy packed lunch, and these could be our typical ingredients for sandwiches—tuna, salmon, or chicken slices with butter, cheese, and tomato on bread, plus bananas and watermelon. We also love taking a flask of tea with honey—perfect for picnics anywhere! Bring a cooler to keep it fresh.

---

Day 1: Plains to Mountains

Route: Cheyenne, WY → Sweetwater Station → Dubois → Moran → Grand Teton National Park → Grant Village
Distance: 450 miles (7-8 hours with stops)
Date: Monday, 14 July

Route: Cheyenne to Grant Village via US-26

Grand Tetons from US-26 at Togwotee Pass

We started in Cheyenne, heading west on US-26 through Wyoming’s wide plains, with antelope visible near ranches. Our first stop was Sweetwater Station (100 miles), a convenient rest area with picnic tables where we took a break. At 300 miles, Dubois offered a charming small-town feel—ideal for a short stop. Then came Togwotee Pass (9,658 feet), where the road curves through pine forests and snow-capped peaks—we stopped briefly to take photos of the impressive landscape. Near Moran, the Grand Tetons came into view, striking and dramatic.

The Grand Tetons from Togwotee Pass

We entered Grand Teton National Park ($35/vehicle, valid for 7 days across both parks) and stopped at Jackson Lake Lodge for tasty burgers and chips ($15-$20/person), enjoying the view of the Tetons through large windows. Day 1 ended with a 50-mile drive to Grant Village in Yellowstone, our comfortable base. We checked into our cabin and visited the Lake House Restaurant—the lake views were captivating from the start!

Lunch with a view at Jackson Lake Lodge

Top Tips:

• Fill up in Dubois—$3.50/gallon vs. $4.50+ in the parks.
• Picnic at Sweetwater or Togwotee Pass—excellent spots to relax.
• Watch the bends on Togwotee Pass—stay alert with kids in the car.

*What’s your favourite road trip snack? Share below!*

*Planning a scenic drive? Drop your must-see stops in the comments!*

---

Day 2: Geyser Adventures

Base: Grant Village, Yellowstone
Distance: Old Faithful area (20 miles)
Date: Tuesday, 15 July

Route: Grant Village to Old Faithful

Old Faithful in action

We woke at Grant Village—simple cabins ($100+/night) by Yellowstone Lake, with no phone signal (a welcome break!). Breakfast was a relaxed buffet at the Lake House—eggs, bacon, toast ($12/adult, $6/kid)—with lovely lake views. Then, 20 miles southwest to Old Faithful, where the ground trembled before water surged 100 feet into the air. The kids were thrilled!

The Beauty Pool - Upper Geyser Basin

The Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks (suitable for pushchairs) impressed us:

• Beauty Pool: Vibrant blues and greens—beautifully serene.
• Grand Geyser: Erupted 200 feet—truly spectacular! (Check times at the visitor centre.)
• Riverside Geyser: Arched over the river—enchanting.
• Morning Glory Pool: A 1.5-mile walk to a striking blue pool, slightly faded by pollution.

We spent the day exploring, wondering what would erupt next.

Stunning Morning Glory Pool

Top Tips:

• Book Grant Village early—cabins fill up quickly (yellowstonenationalparklodges.com).
• Morning Glory requires sturdy shoes and sunhats—summer heat can be intense.
• Check Grand and Riverside eruption times at the visitor centre.

*Which geyser would you visit first? Tell us in the comments!*

*Got a favourite Yellowstone spot already? Share it with us!*

---

Day 3: Geothermal Wonders & Waterfalls

Highlights: Sulphur Cauldron, Mud Volcano, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Distance: Sulphur Cauldron/Mud Volcano (40 miles), Grand Canyon (25 miles more)
Date: Wednesday, 16 July

Route: Grant Village to Sulphur Cauldron

Bubbling Mud Volcano

After breakfast at the Lake House, we drove 40 miles northeast to Sulphur Cauldron—bubbling mud and a strong sulphur smell amused the kids. Nearby, the 0.6-mile Mud Volcano Trail featured Dragon’s Mouth Spring’s roar—short and perfect for young walkers.

Steaming Sulphur Cauldron

Then, 25 miles south to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: the 308-foot Lower Falls plunged into a vibrant canyon of yellows and reds, with mist rising and rainbows forming. We were amazed at the lookout—paved, accessible, and included in the entry fee.

Family at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Top Tips:

• Sulphur Cauldron smells—tell the kids it’s part of the experience!
• Visit the Grand Canyon by 11 a.m.—fewer people, clearer views.
• Bring binoculars for distant views of the falls.

*Planning your own Yellowstone day? Drop your questions in the comments!*

*Have you seen a canyon like this? Share your favourite!*

---

Day 4: Terraces & History

Highlights: Mammoth Hot Springs, Fort Yellowstone
Distance: 50 miles from Grant Village
Date: Thursday, 17 July

Route: Grant Village to Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs terraces

A 50-mile drive north took us to Mammoth Hot Springs—limestone terraces resembling frozen waterfalls, steaming with orange and white hues. The Lower Terrace boardwalks (pushchair-friendly) amazed us with Liberty Cap, a 37-foot cone. The Upper Terrace loop revealed cascading pools—almost otherworldly!

Cascading pools at Upper Terrace

Nearby, Fort Yellowstone’s historic stone buildings shared stories of rangers protecting the park—free and engaging. We ate lunch in the car park, then treated ourselves to ice creams ($2) at Mammoth Terrace Grill Cafe.

Enjoying Mammoth Hot Springs

Top Tips:

• Begin at Lower Terrace—easy parking and access.
• Upper Terrace is worth the short drive—photograph the pools!
• Park near Fort Yellowstone for a pleasant picnic spot.

*What’s your favourite Yellowstone site? Let us know!*

*Love history or nature more? Tell us below!*

---

Day 5: Colourful Springs & Return

Highlight: Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail
Distance: 15 miles from Grant Village
Date: Friday, 18 July

Route: Grant Village to Grand Prismatic Overlook

Rainbow hues at Grand Prismatic Overlook

We saved a highlight for last: the 1.2-mile Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail. At 8 a.m., we avoided crowds to see America’s largest hot spring—blues, greens, and oranges blending like a rainbow. The kids were astonished! Afterwards, we had lunch by the lake at Grant Village, then drove 450 miles back to Cheyenne.

Our family base at Grant Village

Top Tips:

• Park at Fairy Falls trailhead—arrive by 9 a.m. at the latest.
• The walk to Grand Prismatic was mosquito clouds—wear long sleeves, take mosquito spray.
• Sunhats are essential—morning sun can be strong.

*What’s your favourite hot spring? Tag us!*

*Planning a hike like this? Share your trail tips below!*

---

The Route: Cheyenne to Yellowstone via US-26

Distance: 450 miles one way
Key Stops: Torrington (80 miles), Guernsey (100 miles), Dubois (300 miles), Moran (370 miles), Grand Teton (400 miles), Grant Village (450 miles)
Road: Flat plains to winding mountains—watch the curves!
Time: 7-8 hours—depart by 8 a.m.

Full Route: Cheyenne to Grant Village

Top Tips:

• Dubois fuel is cheaper ($3.50/gallon in 2024)—fill up there.
• Dubois to Moran offers scenic views—keep your camera handy.
• Deer cross near Grand Teton—drive carefully.

*Driven this route? Tell us your favourite stop!*

---

Grant Village: Your Family Base

Location: South Yellowstone, by the lake—20 miles to Old Faithful, 40 to Grand Canyon.
Options: Cabins ($100-$150/night, sleep 2-4) or camping ($25/night).
Amenities: Lake House Restaurant ($12 breakfast), shop, fuel ($4.50/gallon in 2024), visitor centre.
Atmosphere: Quiet, surrounded by pines, no signal—ideal for disconnecting.

Top Tips:

• Book cabins 6 months in advance—summer fills up fast (yellowstonenationalparklodges.com).
• Campsites have fire pits—bring marshmallows for a treat.
• The lake is cold—wading is fine, but no swimming.

*Prefer cabins or camping? Share your pick below!*

---

Budget Breakdown

Category	Cost (Family of 4)
Entry Fee	$35 (7 days)
Fuel	$60-$70 (900 miles)
Lodging	$100-$500 (4 nights)
Food	$150-$200 (packed lunches, dinners out, ice creams)
Total	$750-$850

*Note:* Fuel based on 2024—expect a slight increase by July.

Top Tips:

• Buy supplies in Cheyenne—nice organic stores or Albertsons are cheaper than park shops.
• Avoid expensive souvenirs—photos are free!
• July can be busy—book early for better rates.

*What’s your top budget-saving trick? Share it with us!*

*Planning a trip on a budget? Drop your questions below!*

---

Kid-Friendly Highlights

• Geysers: Old Faithful, Grand—impressive eruptions.
• Mud Volcano: Smelly mud for laughs.
• Grand Prismatic: A rainbow spectacle.
• Grand Canyon: Thrilling waterfalls.
• Wildlife: Bison, elk—spot them from the car (100 yards away!).

Top Tips:

• Bring a notepad—kids can sketch geysers or animals.
• Pack lightweight raincoats—geyser spray can surprise you.

*Which stop would your kids love most? Let us know!*

---

What to Pack

• Weather Prep: July highs reach 27°C, but mornings can dip to 4°C—pack layers like lightweight jackets, hoodies, and breathable shirts for comfort.
• Wildlife Safety: Keep 100 yards from bison and 25 yards from elk—view from the car is safest. Elk are common along trails; give them space. (Bears are rare on these paths, so no need to worry much—just stay aware!)
• Family Essentials: Cooler with ice for snacks, reusable flask or water bottle (unlimited refills are a U.S. perk!), sunhats, sunblock (SPF 50+), wet wipes for sticky hands, binoculars for spotting wildlife, mosquito spray, and long sleeves to fend off bugs and sun.
• Kids’ Gear: Paper and pencils for sketching geysers, plus small travel games or books for downtime. A lightweight backpack for each kid keeps their essentials handy.

Download our Family Road Trip Checklist for free!

*What’s your must-pack item for Yellowstone? Share below!*

---

Final Thoughts

Our Cheyenne-to-Yellowstone trip was a family success: the Tetons and tasty burgers at Jackson Lake Lodge, a comfortable Grant Village base (no signal, pure peace), and Yellowstone’s geysers and falls impressing us daily. Just $35 unlocks two parks—affordable adventure awaits!

Summary: This 5-day, 900-mile round trip from Cheyenne to Yellowstone via US-26 blended stunning scenery with family fun. Day 1 took us through Grand Teton’s peaks to Grant Village. Days 2-4 explored Yellowstone’s geysers, hot springs, and waterfalls, from Old Faithful to the Grand Canyon. Day 5 capped it with Grand Prismatic’s rainbow hues before the drive home. At $750-$850 for a family of four, it’s a budget-friendly escape packed with natural wonders!

Visit jbtravelworld.com for more, and follow @jummaiandbobtravel on Instagram. Tag us in your Yellowstone photos—what’s your must-see spot? Happy travels! 🌍✨

*Ready to plan your Yellowstone adventure? Share your first step with us!*