Grand Teton Itineraries

1 Day Itinerary

If you only have one day in Grand Teton National Park, we can help you make the most of it. Here’s a way to sample the best this national park has to offer.

42 Mile Scenic Loop Drive

As you enter the park from the south, take a scenic drive along Teton Park Road, which follows the base of the Teton Range between Moose and Jackson Lake Junction. Along the way, you can detour along Jenny Lake Road, tracing the eastern shore of Jenny Lake. This route turns west to put you closer to the mountains before it winds back and rejoins Teton Park Road. Turnouts along both roads allow you to pause, take photographs, and savor the views. (Entering Grand Teton National Park from the north? Follow the same route in reverse, or circle back along US Hwy 26/89/191). Note: Portions of the park roads close in winter. Grand Teton Scenic Drive Maps

Hike at Jenny Lake

For an even closer look at the beauty of the Teton Range, stop at South Jenny Lake and lace up your boots for a morning hike along the southern edge of the lake (toward Cascade Canyon and Hidden Falls). From the other side of the lake, it’s a short climb to Hidden Falls, one of the park’s greatest treasures. This hike is approximately 2.5 miles one-way and relatively gentle. But if you’d rather rest your legs, you can ride a shuttle boat across the lake. Another popular option is hiking along the Taggart Lake Trail, a 4-mile loop with heart-stopping views, located south of Jenny Lake. Rangers often lead hikes along this trail, and visitors report seeing moose, elk and deer. Grand Teton Hiking Maps

Lunch at Jackson Lake Lodge

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, make your way to Jackson Lake Lodge for a hearty lunch. Enjoy a bowl of elk chili in the Mural Room, a buffalo burger and milkshake at the Pioneer Grill, or tapas and cocktails at Blue Heron. Each restaurant offers kid-friendly and vegetarian options as well. Dining Options

Jackson Lake Cruise

After lunch, continue north to Colter Bay Village, a hub for adventure on and off the water. Here, you can rent a kayak by the hour and explore at your own pace. Or, sign up for a scenic lake cruise. Scenic lake cruises take you on a journey across Jackson Lake, immersing you in the scenery that makes the Teton Range so famous. Your guide will share local history and folklore, point out the various peaks and glaciers, and teach you about the local wildlife. Some cruises also include a hearty cowboy meal, with locally sourced ingredients.

Hike at Colter Bay Village

If you’d rather stay on land, you may explore some of the trails that leave from Colter Bay Village, check out the Visitor Center, shop for souvenirs, or listen to an educational talk given by rangers at various times at the amphitheater. Trails at Colter Bay Village include the Lakeshore Trail, Swan Lake & Heron Pond Trails, and the Hermitage Point Trail.

Visit our lodging page to compare options and discover which will be the best option for your party.

3 Day Itinerary

Here for the weekend or a mid-week escape? Split your time between Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone for the ultimate vacation. There are plenty of free activities and a few worthwhile splurges that will help you sample all the highlights.

Day One:

Horseback Riding

For a true Old West experience, tour Grand Teton National Park on horseback. Jackson Lake Lodge and Colter Bay Village offer short and long rides, depending on your preference. For example, the Jackson Lake Lodge Standard Ride is a two-hour ride that heads north, crosses the willows and sagebrush meadows, and then climbs to the high ground east of Christian Pond. From there, you’ll reach Emma Matilda Lake, one of the most peaceful places in the park with wide views of the Teton Range. On the return trip, you’ll pass the Oxbow Bend Overlook, which is ideal for photography.

Visit Oxbow Bend

At sunset, drive about two miles south on the Parkway to the Oxbow Bend Turnout, one of the most stunning vistas in the park, with the Teton Range perfectly reflected in the Snake River.

Day Two:

Scenic Rafting on the Snake River

Take a morning wild and scenic raft trip, which departs from Jackson Lake Lodge. Mornings are a great time to spot wildlife along the river bank. On this trip, experienced guides will take you 10 miles along the Snake River, showing you the best Teton views and secluded hollows where you’re likely to see wildlife such as bald eagles, moose, elk, beavers, deer, and bison. You can make a day of it by signing up for a lunch or dinner river trip. You’ll stop along the river at a private site at Snake River Overlook, where your guides will prepare traditional local fare, like fresh river trout, charbroiled steaks, and hamburgers.

Fishing on Jackson Lake

Guided fishing trips take place on Jackson Lake, the Snake River, and any number of side streams and creeks that are brimming with trout. Trips include the use of tackle and expert guidance from knowledgeable local anglers. Ask for details at the activity desk.

Canoe or Kayak Rentals

If you prefer to explore the water at your own pace, inquire about renting a kayak or canoe by the hour and paddling on Jackson Lake. You can order a boxed lunch at the Pioneer Grill the day prior or grab some food at the Colter Bay Village Grocery Store and have a picnic on the water.

Dinner at Sheffield's Restaurant

After that, head back north to The Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch. Enjoy a hearty dinner at Sheffield's Restaurant & Bar and unwind in your comfortable cabin or campsite.

Day Three:

Visit Yellowstone

With Yellowstone so close, you’ll want to spend a day there, seeing the iconic geysers and wildlife around Yellowstone Lake. As you enter the park from the south, stop by West Thumb and the Grant Village area. West Thumb Geyser Basin is the largest geyser basin on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. The Grant Village Visitor Center tells the geologic history of the area and offers maps for short hikes and wildlife watching. From here, head west to Old Faithful. You can grab a bite to eat at Old Faithful Inn (or get a lunch to-go from the deli) and then head out to see the famous geyser in action (eruption times are posted at the Inn and Visitor Education Center). You also won’t want to miss a series of boardwalks that take you deeper into the thermal zone, which includes other predicted geysers like Castle, Daisy, Riverside and Grand. It also houses Beauty and Chromatic pools. In all, this area is home to the highest concentration of geysers in the world. Be sure to bring your camera! Yellowstone National Park Information

Visit our lodging page to compare options and discover which will be the best option for your party.

5 Day Itinerary

To truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the Teton Range and Yellowstone, carve out five days (or more!) You’ll have time to visit all the best sights and to sample a wide variety of activities. Relax and enjoy not just the scenery, but the culture that makes this part of the country so unique and memorable. Here’s an example of how you could make the most of your vacation.