While not quite as popular as its northern neighbor (Yellowstone), Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming still receives millions of visitors every year – and for good reason! Endless snowcapped mountains seem to explode out of the ground, picturesque lakes dot the wilderness, and wildlife is abundant. It’s a spectacular place to feel one with nature.

You could spend weeks exploring, but regardless of how much time you have, you’re sure to encounter breathtaking views.

Keep in Mind

Jackson vs. Jackson Hole – The name of the town near the national park is Jackson, WY. The term “Jackson Hole” refers to the entire valley, including both the town and the surrounding area.

Entry fee – Check the National Park Service website for current rates of entry. If you plan to visit Yellowstone during your trip as well, you will likely be able to save a few dollars by purchasing a combined pass.

GyPSy Guide – This app uses your phone’s GPS system to locate where you are in the park (no cell service required). As you pass landmarks, the app will automatically begin playing a recording explaining what you are seeing, whether it’s worth a stop, and interesting facts or historical information about that area. Although you do have to pay a few dollars for the app, it is absolutely worth the cost! I loved hearing the stories and learning about the park.

One Day Grand Teton National Park

Enjoy Iconic Scenery

Start your day early for the best chance of spotting wildlife, and head north from Jackson on US-191/US-89. Stop at these famous sites (in order from south to north) for some of the best views of the Teton Range:

• Blacktail Ponds Overlook – Great spot to look for moose
• Barns along Mormon Row – T.A. Moulton Barn holds the title of most photographed barn in America!
• Schwabacher Landing – Follow the trail from the parking area for a few hundred yards until you come to a clearing where the water reflects a mirror image of the mountains
• Snake River Overlook – Channel your inner Ansel Adams, who made this overlook famous with his 1942 photo
• Oxbow Bend Overlook – With a view of the Snake River, aspen trees, and the mountains, this stop is particularly striking in the fall
• Willow Flats Overlook – Another great panoramic view; plus, moose love to snack on the shrubs, so keep an eye out
• Coulter Bay Village – If you’re ready to stretch your legs, take a leisurely walk around part of the Lakeshore Trail on Jackson Lake
• Jackson Lake Overlook – Make one more stop for another great shot of the lake before turning around and heading south back toward Jackson

Lunch with a View

Stop at the Mural Room at Jackson Lake Lodge for lunch – the huge windows allow for almost unobstructed mountain views. For a more budget-friendly option, pack a picnic lunch and eat at the Lakeview Picnic Area on Jackson Lake.

Take in More Sights

From Jackson Lake, head south on US-191/US-89 until you reach Teton Park Road. There are a ton of scenic turnouts along this road – stop at any or all of them to capture photos of the Tetons from different angles. A few specific spots that are worth a stop (in order from north to south) include:

• Signal Mountain Summit Road – This steep and narrow 5-mile road climbs 800 feet to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Drive slowly, especially on the way down, and consider skipping this stop if you are uncomfortable driving on mountain roads
• String Lake – Turn off of Teton Park Road onto Jenny Lake Road (one-way road heading south). Stop at the String Lake trail head just before you reach Jenny Lake Lodge. Take a short stroll along the shoreline, or if you have time, make the 4-mile loop around the lake (357ft elevation gain). Note: If you’re staying for a few days and are interested in a longer hike, skip String Lake for today and combine it with Leigh Lake, Bearpaw Lake, and Trapper Lake later on. See “Four or More Days in the Park” below
• Jenny Lake Overlook– Continue on Jenny Lake Road to this viewpoint, and walk along the lakeshore as far as you’d like
• Chapel of the Transfiguration – About halfway back to Jackson, make a quick stop for a photograph of the quaint little church with a dramatic mountain backdrop

Look for Wildlife

When you reach the Chapel of the Transfiguration in Moose, WY, follow signs to continue south onto Moose-Wilson Road (rather than returning to the highway). As you drive, keep an eye out for moose, elk, foxes, coyotes, beavers, deer, bison, and other animals that frequent the area.

Explore the Town of Jackson

Take a photo under the antler arches in the Town Square, check out the shops and art galleries, and have dinner at one of the many restaurants.

Note: If you’re having a late dinner because you were out exploring all day (like I was almost every day of my trip!), Snake River Brewing is open late and offers a full menu.

Two Days in the Park

Add: Hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point; Look for grizzlies on Pilgrim Creek Road

Hike at Jenny Lake

There is a ton of hiking around Jenny Lake, and you may have already done some yesterday. Keep in mind that most trails begin above 6,000 feet above sea level – if you aren’t used to the altitude, take it slow, bring plenty of water, and know your limits.

Most trails near Jenny Lake begin on the opposite side of the lake from the Visitor Center. You have two choices for getting across the lake:

1. Hike two miles (each way) along the lakeshore (a little over 200ft elevation gain)
2. Take a 15-minute ferry ride across the lake (check the website for prices and available dates, as the ferry only runs during a few months of the year)

From the ferry landing, it’s a little less than half a mile (150ft elevation gain) to Hidden Falls and another half a mile (300ft elevation gain) to Inspiration Point overlooking Jenny Lake . Return to the Visitor Center via Hidden Falls Trail, Jenny Lake Trail, or the ferry.

If you’re in the mood for a longer hike, the Jenny Lake Trail circles the entire lake. If you skip the ferry in both directions and add on the climb to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, you’ll walk about 8.5 miles with approximately 900 feet of elevation gain.

Tip: The morning light causes the mountains to reflect perfectly in Jenny Lake; plus, the trails can get busy, so heading out early will guarantee you the best photos and the best parking spot.

Look for Grizzlies

If you’re driving along US-191/US-89 near Pilgrim Creek Road (close to Jackson Lake), there’s a good chance you’ll see cars pulled off to the side of the road and photographers lined up, hoping to capture a shot of grizzly bears if they emerge.

Most of these are local professional or amateur photographers, and they are incredibly knowledgeable about the habits of these bears. Stop and wait with them for a while, and while you wait, strike up a conversation about other places they have seen grizzlies recently, whether any cubs have been spotted this year, and what the locals have named the bears. Hopefully you’ll get lucky, and you’ll spot a bear (or several!).

Note: Be sure to pull your vehicle all the way off to the side of the road, and stay at least 100 yards away from bears at all times.

Three Days in the Park

Add: River rafting/float trip; Teton Village scenic lifts

Take a River Rafting Trip

The Snake River has sections suited for whitewater rafting (class III) as well as scenic floats. We took a float trip with Barker-Ewing – although runoff from the mountains causes the river to run a bit more quickly in the spring, the ride was still much more relaxing than it was adventurous.

It was perfect for those who want to sit back and enjoy the view. Their sister company, Jackson Hole Whitewater, is also a great option.

Visit Teton Village

Take the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram up to Rendezvous Peak and indulge in the famous gourmet waffles from Corbet’s Cabin while admiring the landscape from 10,450ft.

The Bridger Gondola also runs in the summer and features on-mountain dining and yoga classes on certain days of the week. Hiking trails are accessible from both landing points – check the map for openings and closures.

Four or More Days in the Park

Add: Additional hikes; Jackson Lake cruise or kayak; Paragliding; Via Ferrata

Explore More Trails

There are numerous trails to choose from for all different skill levels, and practically every single one will reward you with unparalleled views. Here are a few hikes that are on my bucket list for my next trip:

•  Phelps Lake (7mi; 725ft elevation gain without the detour) – You’ll reach the lake after about a mile (climbing a couple hundred feet), and the trail continues another five miles around the lake. Halfway around, take a short detour onto the Valley Trail and turn right onto Death Canyon Trail – this short but steep section of the trail climbs a few hundred feet to Phelps Lake Overlook
• Phelps Lake via Death Canyon Trail – You can also access Phelps Lake Overlook via a 2-mile, 413ft hike from the Death Canyon trail head, or you can make the full loop around Phelps Lake and the overlook via the Death Canyon Trail (7.6mi; 1279ft elevation gain)
•  Taggart Lake (4.1mi; 429ft elevation gain) with optional extension to Bradley Lake (6.0mi total; 761ft elevation gain) – Another beautiful loop trail to two lakes, the Taggart Lake portion will likely to be more crowded than the steeper section continuing on to Bradley Lake
•  Cascade Canyon Trail (9.7mi; 1128ft elevation gain) – From the Jenny Lake ferry landing point, this out-and-back trail leads past waterfalls, streams, and views of the lake. If you’re really up for a challenge, continue on to Lake Solitude, adding another 6.3 miles round trip and 1509 feet of elevation
•  Leigh Lake, Bearpaw Lake, and Trapper Lake (9.8mi; 179ft elevation gain) – The String Lake Trail leads to Leigh Lake, Bearpaw Lake, and Trapper Lake. Seeing all four lakes requires a long trek, but it’s relatively flat, and you can turn around at any point if you decide you’ve seen enough

Get Out on the Water

Rent a kayak or canoe from Coulter Bay Marina, or take a scenic cruise on Jackson Lake to relax and learn some of the history of the area. Certain cruises also stop at Elk Island where you’ll enjoy a delicious outdoor meal.

Catch Some Thrills

Try paragliding or brave the Via Ferrata.

Keep Exploring

Simply driving around the park, marveling at the landscapes, and searching for wildlife was one of my favorite activities during my trip. Spotting animals takes patience, but if you’ve got the time, head to an area where wildlife tend to be seen, and just wait.

Where to Stay

Both Jackson and Teton Village have plenty of hotel and rental options. The Wyoming Inn in Jackson was perfect for our stay, and we loved admiring Tom Mangelsen’s nature and wildlife photos which are displayed throughout the hotel.

We actually had the pleasure of meeting Tom while we hung out with local photographers waiting to see if the grizzlies would make an appearance. You never know who you might run into!

If you’re considering staying in Teton Village, be aware that much of the village is closed during the off-season.

Note: Lodging in this area can get expensive. If budget is a concern, consider renting a house with a kitchen to save money on meals.

When to Go

Spring – Early to mid May sees much smaller crowds and is more affordable, but the weather is a gamble. The best thing about spring is the amount of wildlife you’re likely to see!

Summer – Snow still covers many of the trails until early June, so push your trip to later in the summer if you plan to do a lot of hiking

Fall – Mid to late September is a beautiful time to visit, as temperatures cool down and the yellow aspen trees light up the landscape

Winter – Most scenic roads close from November to at least mid May, including Moose-Wilson Road and Teton Park Road, but if you’re a winter sports fanatic, there’s plenty in the area to keep you busy