9 days in Western US Itinerary

An exceptionally diverse landscape and varied wildlife have made Yellowstone National Park one of America's most popular parks.

On the 5th (Sat), take some stellar pictures from Lookout Point, explore the stunning scenery at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and then explore the striking landscape at Lower Geyser Basin. On your second day here, make a trip to The 45th Parallel, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Observation Point Trail, and then explore the activities along Yellowstone Lake.

To see photos, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Yellowstone National Park online road trip planner.

Durham to Yellowstone National Park is an approximately 11-hour flight. You can also drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 2 hours traveling from Durham to Yellowstone National Park. Traveling from Durham in September, expect Yellowstone National Park to be much colder, temps between 60°F and 33°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sun) so you can travel to San Francisco.

San Francisco is a top holiday destination featuring scenic beauty and great ethnic and cultural diversity.

Start off your visit on the 7th (Mon): explore the striking landscape of Alcatraz Island, visit Fisherman's Wharf, and then make a trip to Golden Gate Bridge. On the next day, take in nature's colorful creations at Japanese Tea Garden and then stroll around Golden Gate Park.

For where to stay, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our San Francisco day trip planning website.

Fly from Yellowstone National Park to San Francisco in 6 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of car, bus, shuttle, and train. The time zone changes from Mountain Standard Time (MST) to Pacific Standard Time (PST), which is usually a -1 hour difference. When traveling from Yellowstone National Park in September, plan for somewhat warmer days and much hotter nights in San Francisco: temperatures range from 76°F by day to 58°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Yosemite National Park.

Massive granite mountains, towering waterfalls, groves of Giant Sequoia trees, and wilderness as far as the eye can see distinguish the landscape of Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite National Park is known for nature, trails, and scenic drive. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: make a trip to Half Dome, admire the sheer force of Vernal Fall, explore the striking landscape at Glacier Point, and hike along Panorama Trail.

For other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Yosemite National Park online holiday planner.

You can drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park in 4 hours. Expect cooler evenings in Yosemite National Park when traveling from San Francisco in September, with lows around 38°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.