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Grand Teton National Park Itinerary + 7 Best Things To Do

Grand Teton National Park Itinerary + 7 Best Things To Do

Grand Teton National Park is staggeringly picturesque and often draws comparisons to a typical Alpine landscape: Jagged snow capped mountains bursting out of gorgeous valleys and surrounded by pristine glacial lakes. We’re going to show you the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park and help you plan the perfect itinerary.

The Tetons are a spectacular slice of Swiss Alps beauty in Wyoming, USA. Almost all visitors to Grand Teton also visit nearby Yellowstone National Park.

But what should you prioritize? And how many days do you need to plan for your Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary?

Here’s how we will help with planning your visit to Grand Teton National Park:

  • Driving and flying to Grand Teton
  • The 7 best things to do at Grand Teton National Park
  • One and 2 day Grand Teton itinerary

This guide will make planning a vacation to the stunning Grand Tetons a piece of cake.

Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents show

Grand Teton National Park Factfile

Address: 103 Headquarters Loop, Moose, WY 83012
Website: nps.gov/grte/
Phone: (307) 739-3300

Park Hours: All day, every day
Entrance Fee: US$ 35 Vehicle (free with America the Beautiful Pass)

Backcountry camping: Permitted, you will need a backcountry permit
Accommodation: Hotels, Lodges, Cabins and Campgrounds

Annual Visitors: 3.4 million
Peak Season: July-August

Size: 310,000 acres

What Can You Expect At Grand Teton National Park?

Grand Teton is a photographers National Park. You can expect dramatic and extremely photogenic scenery at every turn. The Teton Range runs North to South and all of the best things to do in the Tetons are on the eastern side of the mountains. That means sunrise is the most impressive time of day to be out exploring the park.

Despite welcoming over 3 million visitors each year, Grand Teton offers relative solitude, which is a stark contrast to the ‘theme park’ feel at nearby Yellowstone. In fact, many people prefer the laid back vibe in Teton to the chaos at Yellowstone.

For us, both parks are unmissable places to visit in Wyoming.

We couldn’t quite believe the polar opposite visitor experience at each park, considering it’s only a 1 hour drive between the two.

Where Is Grand Teton National Park?

Grand Teton mountain range from a lookout on loop 2 day road road trip itinerary
Mountain View Turnout near Jenny Lake

Grand Teton National Park is located 15 minutes north of Jackson and 1 hour drive south of Yellowstone National Park in the rugged wilderness of northwest Wyoming, close to the border with Idaho.

The Tetons can be a difficult place to access due to the remote location but there are a handful of nearby transport hubs you can use to fly in and hire a car.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

One of the best aspects of visiting Grand Teton is having the built up town of Jackson right on your doorstep. It is the perfect place to set up base for the duration of your trip.

Jackson is a fantastic town in which you’ll find plenty of places to eat, sleep and shop. You will likely spend an evening or two walking around the relaxing town after a long day sightseeing in Grand Teton.

Further reading: Jackson, Grand Teton and Yellowstone are all included in our popular guide to the 50 best places to visit in the USA.

Driving To Grand Teton National Park

Let’s take a look at driving distances from nearby cities to reach Grand Teton National Park:

  • Jackson WY – 12 miles (16m)
  • Idaho Falls ID – 102 miles (2h 05m)
  • Bozeman MT – 246 miles (4h 45m)
  • Salt Lake City UT – 290 miles (4h 55m)
  • Denver CO – 480 miles (7h 30m)

Both times we have visited Yellowstone and the Tetons, we approached from Mount Rushmore and South Dakota to the east of Yellowstone and Grand Teton.

However, approaching from Salt Lake City to the south, Denver to the southeast, Portland to the west and Seattle to the northwest are also popular options.

Our road trip guides featuring Yellowstone and Grand Teton:

Our road trip resources:

Best Airport To Use For Grand Teton National Park

Jackson Hole airport is the most convenient domestic airport to use for visiting Grand Teton National Park. However, Salt Lake City international is a much larger domestic and international hub with budget airlines and more routes.

You can hire a car at either airport to visit both Grand Teton and Yellowstone in one itinerary. Remember, you can fly into one airport and leave via another if prices and times work out efficiently for your budget.

Distances From Airports Near The Tetons

  • Jackson Hole, WY – Inside Grand Teton National Park boundaries!
  • Idaho Falls, ID – 104 miles (2h 05m)
  • Salt Lake City, UT – 292 miles (4h 50m)

Jackson Hole airport (JAC) is the only airport inside a National Park in the US. It is very small but because it’s the Tetons, more major airports than you might imagine fly directly into JAC.

This flight schedule shows which airports fly inbound to JAC – be careful to read which days of the week flights are scheduled.

Flights are more expensive to Jackson Hole because there are no budget airline options available. If you are traveling on a budget and want to save money, you will be better flying into Salt Lake City.

If you would like to read more about nearby airports, we have written a guide to the 6 best airports near Yellowstone.

Grand Teton National Park Itinerary Map

This interactive map of Grand Teton National Park displays our list of best things to do, where to visit on day 1 and day 2, plus recommended hotel locations.

Click around the map to orientate yourself with the park.

The 7 Best Things To Do In Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is one of our favorite national parks in the US, and we know we’re not alone.

Admittedly, when planning our first visit to Wyoming, Yellowstone took precedence for us and we saw the Tetons as a bonus. However, we were far more excited by Grand Teton on our second trip to Wyoming.

Why?

Because we were blown away by endless photography opportunities. Grand Teton National Park is a place to take things slowly and appreciate nature, which works perfectly for our travel style.

This place is special and we want you to have the most amazing time on your first visit to Grand Teton. So let’s get stuck into the best things you can do in the park!

1. Explore Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake edge with logs reflecting underneath green water and mountains
Stunning lake reflections in Grand Teton National Park

What Is Jenny Lake?

Consider Jenny Lake as the heartbeat of Grand Teton National Park. It is the central and focal point of all things inside Grand Teton NP, like a relentless gravitational force pulling visitors to its shores.

To the South, you will find Jenny Lake visitor center, Jenny Lake campground, motor boat / kayak rental and a huge parking lot. The lot fills early in peak season, so bear that in mind if visiting in June, July or August.

You will also find Jenny Lake shuttle – which is like a scenic tour / taxi hybrid – to access the base of Cascade Mountains on the far side of Jenny Lake. Roundtrip tickets are US$18 or singles for US$10.

Why Visit Jenny Lake?

Jenny Lake is the busiest place in Grand Teton National Park for a reason. It is simply stunning.

If you’re feeling fit and energetic, you can walk around Jenny Lake trail – a 7.6 mile full loop hike. Access to some of Grand Teton’s most popular hiking trails are on the west side of Jenny Lake, where the boat shuttle drops off and picks up hikers.

One of the best things to do at Jenny Lake is drive or cycle down the one-way scenic road to Jenny Lake Overlook (also known as Cascade Canyon overlook) for picture perfect views.

This is the place to get your camera out!

Pro-tip: To the North of Jenny Lake, don’t miss String Lake – a much smaller and shallower lake where you can see logs and debris through crystal clear waters. CPL filters are ideal for your lenses here.

2. Hike To Inspiration Point And Cascade Canyon Via Hidden Falls

What Is Cascade Canyon Trail?

The most popular hiking trail at Grand Teton National Park is Inspiration Point and Cascade Canyon. Your prize will be a stunning view looking back over Jenny Lake and Jackson valley, plus an abundance of wildlife spotting opportunities inside Cascade Canyon.

To reach Cascade Canyon trailhead, you can either cross Jenny Lake on the ferry service to West dock or walk 2.4 miles around Jenny Lake trail. The same applies on your return leg.

Once you reach Cascade Canyon trail, hike through gorgeous hillside forest and follow signs to stay on the trail. Watch for bears up here, particularly in Spring. Do not miss the left turn for a very short offshoot leading to Hidden Falls.

Why Hike Cascade Canyon Trail?

There are many amazing hikes you can walk in Grand Teton National Park but this varied trail offers something for everyone. It is one of the best hikes in the US for a reason!

Hidden Falls waterfall cascades 100 feet over multiple terraces, you will carefully hike along unnerving rock formations to reach an amazing view at inspiration point, and sightings of bears and moose are frequent.

Pro-tip: Morning light from the east will do photographers no favors for shooting long exposures. Wait until afternoon when the sun disappears behind the Teton range to the Southwest.

3. Drive Up Signal Mountain

Mark and Kristen where are those morgans at the top of signal mountain in grand teton national park wyoming
Mark and Kristen at the summit of Signal Mountain

What Is Signal Mountain?

Signal mountain is a drivable summit providing sweeping vistas of the Teton range and some of the best views in all of Grand Teton National Park. All you have to do is drive 5 miles to the top!

Entrance to Signal mountain scenic highway is off Teton Park Road between Jackson Lake Dam and Jenny Lake. The road is closed in Winter so check ahead if you’re visiting in late Fall or early Spring to see if it is open.

Be aware that the road gains 1,000 feet in elevation and features a series of narrow lane switchbacks. Also, RV’s and trailers are prohibited, so you can only go up in a car or on a bike.

Why Drive Up Signal Mountain?

Spectacular panoramic views from the summit are more than worth the 20 minute drive up. You can see wildflowers blooming in late Spring and Summer across endless miles of grassland.

Pro-tip: The best place to be is not the actual summit. Instead it is a viewpoint close to the summit called Jackson Lake Overlook, which offers incredible Teton mountain photography compositions.

4. Take The Iconic Mountains Through The Church Window Photograph

Iconic photograph through window chapel of transfiguration grand teton national park best things to do
Teton range through Chapel of the Transfiguration

What Is The Famous Church Photo?

You can’t visit Grand Teton National Park without getting the iconic (and stunning!) photograph of Teton range through the Chapel of the Transfiguration window.

Right next to Moose entrance, take the turn to Chapel of the Transfiguration, park up and just look at the scene – wow!

Why Stop In For The Photo?

Any pro or hobbyist photographer will have this shot firmly near the top of the list. It’s a classic example of how beautiful and unspoiled Grand Teton National Park remins.

Explore the historic log cabin grounds, head inside and walk to the back. A window perfectly frames the dramatic mountains for a unique and unforgettable photograph.

Pro-tip: Your images won’t be impacted by the Sun at any time of day because the church faces Northwest.

5. Don’t Miss The Two Most Photographed Barns In The US At Mormon Row

John Moulton barn mormon row photography grand teton national park best things to do
John Moulton Barn on Mormon Row in Grand Teton

What Is Mormon Row?

Mormon Row consists of two historic barns belonging to John Moulton and T.A. Moulton built between 1890’s and 1920’s. They are arguably the most photogenic barns in the United States and photographers from around the world visit the Tetons just for these wooden structures.

Grand Teton National Park is like a playground for photographers and Mormon Row is the biggest and best slide in the playground.

The barns are built on adjacent homesteads, around a 5 minute walk from one another. Each is a solitary structure surrounded entirely by a serene and flat valley leading as far as the eye can see toward the towering Teton range.

Why Visit Mormon Row?

Even if you’re not passionate about photography, the two barns on Mormon Row simply must be visited on your trip to Grand Teton National Park.

Sunrise is the most sought after time to visit Mormon Row because the Teton mountain summits illuminate soft pinks and oranges directly behind the barn entrances. However, sunset is also popular for starbursts of the sun right behind the barns.

Expect to see professional photographers lining the ditches, standing behind trees and kneeling among brush in fields as the first and final rays of sunlight kiss the old wooden structures each day.

Pro-tip: If you arrive early enough at the right time of year, you will catch the Moon setting behind the Teton range before sunrise.

6. Find Snow Capped Mountains Reflecting In The Snake River At Schwabacher Landing

Schwabacher Landing stunning photography location for sunrise at Grand Teton national park inwyoming mountains and trees reflecting
Stunning reflection on the Snake River at Schwabacher Landing

What Is Schwabacher Landing?

Schwabacher Landing is another place you simply can’t miss at sunrise in Grand Teton National Park.

If you only have one morning – you should plan to be at both Mormon Row and Schwabacher Landing. Thankfully, you can drive between them in around 10 minutes.

We first visited in October on a freezing cold morning (below zero), got some amazing photos, saw a Moose and even an Otter playing on ice in the Snake River. There wasn’t a single other person in sight.

However, if you visit in peak season, expect a dozen or so people to be here before the sun rises. Later in the day you have less chance seeing animals, the water won’t be as still and the sun casts shadows.

Why Visit Schwabacher Landing?

As far as mesmerizing views go, this Schwabacher Landing vista has to be up there with some of the best in America. Grand Teton mountains and deep green pine trees reflecting perfectly in a still deep blue river makes for unforgettable photographs. 

Wildlife spotting opportunities around this area are common, so if you arrive at sunrise when animals are more active, you stand a good chance of seeing a Moose.

Pro-tip: Walk 1-2 miles along the river bank to find your preferred location depending on river bends, volume of water and reflections.

7. Soak Up The Mountain Views At Oxbow Bend

Oxbow bend reflection photography in the tetons
More amazing mountain reflections at Oxbow Bend

What Is Oxbow Bend?

Oxbow Bend is another spectacular photography spot in Grand Teton but this time to the far north of the National Park. The Snake River carved a loop in its path around a small island of sediment and the still waters here are idyllic for snapping postcard perfect images in the morning.

We arrived mid morning and couldn’t get a perfectly still water reflection shot due to the slightest of breezes and ducks paddling.

Why Visit Oxbow Bend?

Oxbow Bend is a relaxing and picturesque area within Grand Teton National Park. There are fewer tourists here when compared to Jenny Lake and the barns on Mormon Row.

You will find a maze of dirt paths leading diverse views over the Teton range. If you’re looking for somewhere to unpack your picnic around lunch time, this is it.

Pro-tip: This is a fantastic place for sunset (there aren’t many in Grand Teton National Park) because the sun will reflect in Oxbow Bend as it falls low in the sky.

Top Photography Spots On Your Grand Teton National Park Itinerary

Nature and landscape photography are nothing short of extraordinary in Grand Teton National Park, no matter which season you visit.

The best part is that you can access all of the most amazing photography locations easily and in a short time frame, unlike Yellowstone or Yosemite for example.

Often a grueling hike is required to reach an epic overlook. But anyone and everyone can roll out of bed, grab a coffee and drive right to each of the top photography spots at Grand Teton National Park.

The key is setting that early alarm and not hitting snooze!

Here are the places avid landscape and nature photographers simply can’t miss at Grand Teton National Park (in our preferred order):

Mormon Row

TA Moulton barn mormon row photography best things to do in grand teton national park and itinerary
TA Moulton Barn at sunrise

Sunrise at Moulton Barn is iconic but sunset is also stunning in a different way. Be creative to find your preferred angle but remember there will be other professionals around so don’t forget etiquette.

Both barns are equally as attractive but offer slightly different compositions. It is difficult to choose a favorite but if we were forced we’d say T.A. Moulton pictured above just edges it.

If you plan to visit Mormon Row, read our complete guide to Mormon Row sunrise and sunset photography for tips, directions and more.

Schwabacher Landing

Moose at schwabacher landing in grand teton national park wildlife photography

Schwabacher Landing is incredibly photogenic and we plan to return at sunrise during our next visit to the Tetons. Arrive early to beat the crowds and take a variety of lenses if you have them available.

You could be shooting a beautiful wide reflection shot on the river and see a Moose like we did. Quickly but quietly and carefully switch to a telephoto lens or use a second camera and lens combination.

We always use Peak Design’s capture clip and lens kit for maximum efficiency.

Learn more about sunrise photography at Schwabacher Landing, including how to get there, colors and wildlife.

Jenny Lake

Grand Teton mountains reflection in jenny lake stunning scene
Beautiful scenery near Jenny Lake Overlook

Inspiration Point on the Cascade Canyon trail is a great view, but the best photo spot around Jenny Lake is at Jenny Lake overlook on the one way road.

Get a pristine mountain reflection on Jenny Lake between the pine trees for the ultimate composition. Don’t forget about String Lake, which also offers fantastic photography opportunities.

Oxbow Bend

Photography at oxbow bend in grand teton national park one of best things to do
Oxbow Bend with towering snow capped mountain backdrop

Water on the bend accounts for foreground and middle ground at Oxbow (Schwabacher only foreground is water) so you have more room for composing a reflection.

A good lens here would be a 24-70 or 24-105 so you can use compression for a closer-looking mountain.

Chapel Of The Transfiguration

church of the transfiguration wooden boardwalk leading to church and surrounding mountains in grand teton national park wyoming
Stunning views at Chapel of the Transfiguration

Now this is a church with a view!

The entire area in and around Chapel of the Transfiguration is picture perfect. You’re going to need a full battery and a backup SD card in Grand Teton National Park.

Be sure to take a photograph of the boardwalk with chapel and mountains backdrop before you head inside for the famous through-the-window image.

Signal Mountain

Awesome mountain and lake views from signal mountain summit at grand teton national park in wyoming
Hazy view over the Tetons from Signal Mountain in mid afternoon

Stunning elevated views of the Teton range and Jackson Lake are unmissable from the summit of Signal Mountain. You’ll get some of the best mountain vistas from here.

Use any lens here to achieve different types of image. Remember, you can always turn vertical and stitch 4 or 5 photos together for a wide pano.

Snake River Overlook

Snake river overlook one of best photography locations inside grand teton national park
Famous Snake River Overlook in Grand Teton National Park

Snake River overlook is the emblematic viewpoint Ansel Adams gave to the world when shooting his Southwest National Parks series in the 1940’s.

It looked different back then – arguably more beautiful – but it is still certainly a worthwhile stop off on the side of the main loop road, even if just to imagine standing in the same spot 80 years ago with a vintage film camera!

Are you planning your Grand Teton itinerary entirely around photography? This in depth guide to Grand Teton photography will help you prepare for your visit.

Best Hikes In Grand Teton National Park

Let’s take a quick look at the top rated hikes you can do on your visit to Grand Teton:

  1. Cascade Canyon Trail (via Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point)
  2. Delta Lake Trail
  3. Taggart Lake Trail
  4. Jenny Lake Loop Trail
  5. Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes Trail

For the purposes of our example Grand Teton National Park itineraries further below we have included the Cascade Canyon Trail because it is the most popular hike in the Tetons.

If you won’t be hiking at Grand Teton you can still easily fill a one or two day itinerary. Conversely, if you want to hike more trails, you will have to cut some of the sightseeing or photography spots.

Best Time To Visit Grand Teton National Park

The Tetons are spectacular year round but there are some things you should know when deciding on which season to visit:

Winter

The Teton range is magnificent and white over but the main loop road to Jenny Lake closes. Skiing is popular around Jackson and Teton Village but for the average sightseeing tourist, leave it until the park is fully open.

Spring

Highest animal activity in Grand Teton, plus comfortable temperatures for hiking but cold mornings and nights. Rivers, waterfalls and lakes are full, and wildflowers are in bloom.

Summer

Peak season at Grand Teton National Park, which means the place is packed full of cars, buses and people. You would benefit from the best sunrise / sunset photography temperatures, but it gets hot in the middle of the day, plus campgrounds fill quickly and hotels charge more.

Fall

Amazing colors around Grand Teton but colder mornings and nights. Wildlife is abundant as animals prepare for Winter. Fewer crowds and cheaper hotel prices make Fall arguably the best season to visit Grand Teton National Park.

Where To Stay Near Grand Teton National Park

Kristen stood underneath an arch made of antlers in Jackson Hole
Kristen standing under the antler arch in Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson, Wyoming is the most popular place to set up base for exploring Grand Teton National Park for those who plan to spend at least 2 days in the park. However, the best place for you to stay near Grand Teton will depend on the time of year you visit and your travel itinerary.

The town of Jackson offers hotels suited to all budgets and plenty of great restaurants. It is jut a 15 minute drive into Grand Teton National Park and offers a wonderful place to refuel and recuperate between days in the park.

If your budget stretches higher or you’re visiting in Winter for skiing, the best place for you to look is Teton Village ski resort. Hotels are significantly more expensive than Jackson but you get the idyllic mountain resort in return.

However, if you plan to visit Teton for a full day and sleep somewhere north of the park so you can get an early start to Yellowstone the next morning, there is one place for you to consider.

After researching all hotels in the Grand Teton area and visiting on two separate occasions, here’s a list of the best value and top rated hotels for you to consider booking. 

Related: How to book the cheapest hotels every time you travel – 15 pro tips

Top Rated Hotels Near Grand Teton National Park

Stones on a lakeside beach with mountains reflecting in water
Stones one the shores of Jackson Lake in the north of Grand Teton National Park

Let’s take a quick look at a handful of the best hotel options for your Grand Teton itinerary.

1. Jackson Lake Lodge – Between Grand Teton + Yellowstone

Situated perfectly on the banks of Jackson Lake to the north of Grand Teton loop road is Jackson Lake lodge. Stellar views over the Teton range, 3 restaurants and each room is a detached cottage with parking. Location rating 9.2.

Check Price: Jackson Lake Lodge

2. The Alpenhof – In Teton Village

Affordable Bavarian boutique style ski accommodation with outdoor pool, hot tub, breakfast, bar and bistro. Located at the base of ski lifts and slopes in Teton Village.

Check Price: The Alpenhof

3. Teton Mountain Lodge – In Teton Village

Upscale and top rated hotel and spa in Teton Village, featuring indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, bar and restaurant. Quality lodging but comes with a higher price tag.

Check Price: Teton Mountain Lodge

4. The Lexington – Jackson

Very highly rated and affordable hotel just a few minutes walk from the bars and restaurants of downtown Jackson. Better if you’d prefer to be in the heart of town with everything in walking distance.

Check Price: The Lexington

5. Wyoming Inn – Jackson

Upscale and top rated hotel located a few minutes drive out of the main downtown area of Jackson. Better if you’d prefer to be close to but not right in the busy part of town.

Check Price: Wyoming Inn

How Many Days For Your Grand Teton National Park Itinerary

You can see the best of Grand Teton in one day but we always suggest a two day itinerary so you can fully appreciate the beauty of this national park.

Planning the perfect Grand Teton itinerary is very easy when compared with other popular US national parks. There’s not a huge amount to see and everything is fairly close together.

However, Grand Teton is staggeringly beautiful and you might wish you spent an extra day here.

Every traveler we meet who frequently visits national parks says two things:

  1. They love Grand Teton
  2. They regret only spending one day in the Tetons

If it fits into your itinerary, we highly recommend you allow for 2 days in Grand Teton National Park.

Remember, almost all first time visitors will combine Yellowstone and Grand Teton into the same itinerary. This means you will likely lose half a day traveling to or from Yellowstone depending on which direction you approach.

One Day Grand Teton National Park Itinerary

Mormon Row TA Moulton Barn one of the best things to see on a Grand Teton National Park itinerary
TA Moulton Barn on Mormon Row around sunset

This one day Grand Teton National Park itinerary example explains how you can see the best of the Tetons on fleeting a day trip.

It is an action packed itinerary and you might need to take one or two things out to suit your travel style.

Day One – Rapid Sightseeing

Morning

Get an early start in Jackson, plan to arrive at Mormon Row right at civil twilight, check sunrise times here. Spend the first 30 minutes to 1 hour photographing both John Moulton and T.A. Moulton barns at first light.

Drive 10 minutes to Schwabacher Landing and hike a short way to find some amazing nature scenery. Be on the lookout for wildlife and hopefully you’ll spot a Moose.

Drive to Snake River overlook and take in the scenery. Continue round to Oxbow Bend where you can get more reflections and walk along the pebbled beach.

Turn down Teton Park road and drive over the Dam to Signal Mountain road. Summit Signal Mountain to the overlooks and spend some time admiring the views.

Afternoon

Stop at all the roadside pullovers along the Grand Teton loop road, such as Mountain View and Cathedral Group. Turn down Jenny Lake road and stop quickly to see String Lake, before parking at Jenny Lake.

Take the ferry across Jenny Lake, then hike up to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. We wouldn’t think there’s enough time for venturing further into Cascade Canyon but strong hikers may be able to squeeze it in.

Once back, continue South to Chapel of the Transfiguration and grab that iconic photograph inside the church before circling back to Mormon Row for sunset.

Spend the evening in Jackson and eat at the fantastic Hand Fire Pizza.

Two Days Grand Teton National Park Itinerary

Beautiful starburst at sunset over hills and mountains in Fall
Stunning sunset over the Teton range

This two day Grand Teton National Park itinerary example explains how you can see the best of the Tetons with a full day before driving up to Yellowstone in the afternoon of the second day.

In essence, you can cut the hiking from day one and take things at a more relaxing pace before hiking on the morning of day two.

Day One – Sunrise, Photography + Sightseeing

Morning

Grab an early start in Jackson and head up to Mormon Row in time for sunrise. It really is worth making the effort to get up early, especially if you get a cloudy and textured sky.

Continue along to Schwabacher Landing, Snake River Overlook and Oxbow Bend. Eat brunch on the stones at Oxbow Bend with majestic mountain reflection views ahead.

Drive up Signal Mountain to both viewpoints and take your time to enjoy the vistas.

Afternoon

Pull into Mountain View for a spot of lunch with a view before turning down Jenny Lake road and stopping for a quick hike to String Lake. Walk around String Lake looking for shallow water reflections.

Spend time around Jenny Lake Overlook before heading to Chapel of the Transfiguration to take a ton of photos. Find a great spot for sunset near the two Mormon Row barns.

Head back to Jackson for dinner and a beer before grabbing an early night ready for more exploring tomorrow.

Day Two – Grand Teton Hikes + Jenny Lake

Morning

Another early start because sunrise is the best time of day to be exploring at Grand Teton National Park. Start at whichever place you preferred from Day 1 between Mormon Row and Schwabacher Landing.

This time head up Teton Park road the opposite way (clockwise today) and park at Jenny Lake visitor center. Take the shuttle or hike around Jenny Lake to Inspiration point trailhead.

Afternoon

Hike to Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point and even Cascade Canyon for quick hikers before returning to Jenny Lake. If you have time, hire a kayak or take more photographs around the lake area, including String Lake.

Mid afternoon begin your drive North to Yellowstone National Park and enjoy yet another remarkable landscape!

Read More About Grand Teton And Yellowstone
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We hope this best things to do in Grand Teton National Park guide helped with planning your itinerary to visit the Tetons!

Have you been to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park? Which is your favorite?

Please let us know if you have any questions or need any help planning your visit.

Happy Travels,

Mark and Kristen

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Graham Bedford

Thursday 19th of November 2020

Grand Teton National park looks great the scenery looks like you could film lord of the rings there. Fantastic photography once again you've really done it justice.

Mark & Kristen Morgan

Friday 20th of November 2020

Thanks Graham! Teton is amazingly photogenic, we can't wait to go back and spend more time at the park. Hope you are able to visit one day!