Winter Grand Circuit: Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Mount Rushmore in 7 Days
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 days
Fitness Level
Comfortable walking on snow and ice for 30–90 minutes at a time at elevations up to 7,000+ feet.
Overview
A week on the winter grand circuit ties together Yellowstone’s steaming basins, the jagged Tetons, and the granite faces of the Black Hills. Expect snowcoach access, elk by sleigh, and big western distances—managed by guides who read the weather like a map.
Winter Grand Circuit: Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Mount Rushmore in 7 Days
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Snow hushes the road as you roll north from Salt Lake City, the Wasatch rising in bands of blue and white. By the time Jackson’s antler arches appear, the Tetons have already introduced themselves—angular, snow-armored, and unblinking. Winter sets the tone here. Steam lifts from the Snake River like it’s thinking out loud, and the cold pries open a clarity you don’t get in July.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress for dynamic cold
Use a wicking base layer, warm mid-layer, and windproof shell; stash a down parka for stops when wind and evaporative cooling bite hard.
Traction matters
Icy boardwalks and packed trails are common—bring insulated waterproof boots and microspikes or similar traction for steady footing.
Wildlife and thermal safety
Stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from all other wildlife, and never step off boardwalks in thermal areas; bison own the road.
Plan for winter timing
Daylight is short and storms can delay travel—keep flights after 7 PM on departure day and build buffer time into your plans.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bison
- Trumpeter swans
History
Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872; Devils Tower followed as the first U.S. national monument in 1906. Mount Rushmore’s carving ran from 1927 to 1941, while Crazy Horse continues today under Lakota guidance.
Conservation
Stay on boardwalks in thermal areas, give wildlife space, and pack out all trash. Winter travel concentrates use—follow Leave No Trace to protect fragile soils and hydrothermal features.
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Adventure Hotspots in Jackson, Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulated waterproof winter boots
Keeps feet warm and dry on icy boardwalks and snowy pullouts.
winter specific
Microspikes or traction cleats
Adds grip on frozen walkways and packed-snow trails around geyser basins.
winter specific
Down or synthetic parka
Critical for long photo stops in sub-freezing wind.
winter specific
Telephoto lens (200mm+)
Lets you frame wildlife and distant peaks without approaching hazards.