COVID-19 travel restrictions and border closings are constantly evolving. There is no guarantee that the dive sites mentioned within this article will be open at your time of travel.

Amid busy national parks, another opportunity to be immersed in nature is little explored — but worth the work. Experience the other side of Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks by diving into Yellowstone and Jenny lakes, both within a two-hour drive from popular Jackson Hole. Enjoy sweeping landscapes and wildlife such as elk, grizzly bears and bison in the evening.

IF YOU HAVE ONE DAY

While crowds frequent the ­more-famous destinations in Yellowstone ­National Park, the oversize lake is an often overlooked destination, with compelling ­archaeological artifacts, fragile ­siliceous hydrothermal spires, and vents best ­explored with a guide. Bring all ­necessary equipment, or visit the shop in ­Jackson Hole to rent gear for an altitude diving experience from the shores of Bridge Bay. Bring a dive flag, and check in with the ranger at Bridge Bay Marina before diving to review conditions and site ­locations. Head due east and reach ­30 to 40 feet, where 20-foot spires rise from the ­bottom.

IF YOU HAVE TWO DAYS

Rent a boat from the marina to reach Stevenson Island and dive the E.C. Waters in just a few feet of water. Avoid touching any artifacts; they are ­protected by the park for all to enjoy. All artifacts have been surveyed and documented, and date to the early 1900s. Remains of a small launch and dock cribbing is accessible from the dock by historic Lake ­Yellowstone Hotel. Spend the evening enjoying a quartet in the bar outside the hotel’s restaurant, the Lake Hotel Dining Room. Dinner reservations are strongly recommended to secure a spot.

IF YOU HAVE THREE DAYS

In addition to dives, remarkable destinations include Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful in the Upper Geyser Basin, and Hayden Valley. Plan these into your dive schedule, and add another day of diving to explore either more spires or Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park, where you can submerge into an underwater forest deposited by landslides from the shoreline down to 100 feet. Rent a boat and visit the West Shore Boat Dock area to dive. The dramatic backdrop of the Grand Teton mountains rises from the lake. Trek to the Granary Restaurant for a farewell meal overlooking the mountains.

Need to Know

When to Go: Book a year in advance for ­summer excursions.

Dive Conditions: Drysuit is required for 40°F water temperatures.

Operators: All dive equipment must be brought to the site. The nearest operator is Teton Aquatic Supply and should be contacted ahead of time.

Additional operators: Neptune Divers and Scuba Utah in Salt Lake City. Adventure Scuba operates in Montana.