Grand Teton National Park Itinerary for 3 Days
A 3-day itinerary is ideal for those who want to see the park's most iconic attractions and enjoy a mix of outdoor activities without feeling rushed.
Day 1: Scenic Drives and Easy Hikes
Morning:
- Start at the Jackson Hole Visitor Center: Gather maps, check trail conditions, and get up-to-date information on wildlife sightings and weather conditions.
- Teton Park Road: Begin your day with a scenic drive along Teton Park Road. This road provides magnificent views of the Teton Range and offers several stopping points for photography. Key stops include Snake River Overlook, Oxbow Bend, and Schwabacher’s Landing.
Afternoon:
- Jenny Lake: Head to Jenny Lake, one of the most popular spots in the park. If you’re up for a short hike, take the Jenny Lake Loop (7.5 miles) or take the boat shuttle across the lake and hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. These are relatively easy and rewarding hikes.
Evening:
- Dinner at a Park Lodge: For dinner, consider dining at one of the park lodges such as Pioneer Grill at Jackson Lake Lodge or Trapper Grill at Signal Mountain Lodge.
- Stargazing: Grand Teton is known for its dark skies, so end the day with some stargazing. Schwabacher’s Landing is a great spot.
Day 2: Adventure and Wildlife
Morning:
- Wildlife Viewing: Start early and head to Gros Ventre River or Antelope Flats for the best chances of seeing moose, bison, and other wildlife. Bring binoculars and a camera for this unforgettable experience.
- Taggart Lake Trail: After wildlife watching, take a scenic 3.4-mile round-trip hike to Taggart Lake. This is an easy-to-moderate hike with beautiful views of the Teton Range and a serene lake at the end.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Colter Bay: Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Colter Bay Village and take some time to explore the visitor center and enjoy the lake.
- Cascade Canyon: After lunch, take the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake (or hike if you prefer) to reach Cascade Canyon. This is a longer, more strenuous hike (about 9 miles round-trip) but offers spectacular views of waterfalls, alpine meadows, and towering cliffs.
Evening:
- Dinner in Jackson: Drive into Jackson (about 20 minutes from the park) for a delicious dinner at one of the many fine restaurants, such as Snake River Grill or The Whistling Grizzly.
Day 3: Scenic Drives and Historical Sites
Morning:
- Mormon Row: Begin your day by heading to the Mormon Row Historic District, one of the most iconic photography spots in the park. The old barns with the Teton Range in the background make for a beautiful morning shot.
- Drive the Moose-Wilson Road: This quieter road takes you through a more forested area of the park, offering a chance to see wildlife and enjoy a peaceful drive.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Signal Mountain Lodge: Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Signal Mountain Lodge overlooking Jackson Lake.
- Hike to Phelps Lake: After lunch, head to Phelps Lake for a peaceful hike. The Phelps Lake Loop (about 5 miles) offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding forest.
Evening:
- Relax at Colter Bay or Jenny Lake: Wind down your day by relaxing at one of the lakes. If time permits, take a short walk around String Lake or enjoy a quiet evening by the shore before heading back to your accommodation.
Grand Teton National Park Itinerary for 5 Days
A 5-day itinerary gives you the chance to explore the park more thoroughly, enjoy longer hikes, and take in some additional activities, including a trip to Yellowstone if you desire.
Day 1: Scenic Drives and Short Hikes
(As outlined in the 3-day itinerary)
- Visit Jackson Hole Visitor Center, drive Teton Park Road, and hike around Jenny Lake and Hidden Falls.
Day 2: More Wildlife Viewing and Challenging Hikes
(As outlined in the 3-day itinerary)
- Early morning wildlife viewing at Gros Ventre River or Antelope Flats, followed by a hike to Taggart Lake.
- Afternoon hike to Cascade Canyon and dinner in Jackson.
Day 3: Exploring the Southern Part of the Park
Morning:
- Gros Ventre Slide Area: Explore the Gros Ventre Slide area, a fascinating geological feature created by a massive rockslide in the 1920s.
- Wildlife Viewing: Take a wildlife drive or hike in the area for the best chances of spotting animals like elk, moose, and bears.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Colter Bay Village.
- Drive to Headwaters Lodge: Head towards Flagg Ranch and Headwaters Lodge, located at the southern entrance of Grand Teton. This area is quieter and offers a more rustic and remote experience.
Evening:
- Sunset at Jackson Lake: Spend the evening at Jackson Lake or Signal Mountain to enjoy the sunset and take in the views of the Tetons.
Day 4: Adventure Activities and Scenic Views
Morning:
- Rafting on the Snake River: Spend the morning rafting on the Snake River, where you can enjoy thrilling rapids, stunning views, and potential wildlife sightings along the way.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Jackson.
- Hike to Phelps Lake: After lunch, enjoy a more relaxed, scenic hike to Phelps Lake.
Evening:
- Dinner at Teton Village: After a full day of activities, have dinner at Teton Village, where you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and dine with a view of the mountains.
Day 5: Day Trip to Yellowstone National Park
Morning:
- Early Start for Yellowstone: Take a day trip to nearby Yellowstone National Park (about a 1-1.5 hour drive from Grand Teton). Visit the famous Old Faithful geyser, Grand Prismatic Spring, and other geothermal wonders.
Afternoon:
- Explore Yellowstone: Continue exploring Yellowstone's highlights, including Yellowstone Lake, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Lamar Valley for wildlife viewing.
Evening:
- Return to Grand Teton: Head back to your accommodations in Grand Teton for a peaceful evening and reflect on the beauty of both parks.
In Summary:
- 3 Days: Focus on Grand Teton's most iconic drives, short hikes, and wildlife viewing opportunities. A nice balance of scenic exploration and adventure activities.
- 5 Days: Ideal for those who want to dive deeper into the park’s trails, visit more remote areas, and enjoy a day trip to Yellowstone. It allows for a more leisurely pace and extra activities like rafting, longer hikes, and more time for wildlife viewing.
Both itineraries offer a fulfilling Grand Teton experience, with the 5-day itinerary giving you additional flexibility to explore Yellowstone or engage in more challenging activities.
