How to Plan an Amazing Grand Teton National Park Itinerary

by Mary Howard
- August 25, 2024

From the initial sight we had of the Grand Tetons driving south towards Jenny Lake just before sunrise, we were immediately captivated by the stunning natural splendor surrounding us. The rocky peaks to the west, the crystal clear lakes, and the outstanding hiking routes in Grand Teton National Park made it one of our favorite stops on our summer road excursion around the USA.

The Merrell Moab 2 is the brand’s most popular style and a personal favorite of my husband’s. He`s worn these tried and tested hiking boots for hundreds of miles, finding them to be relaxed and functional.

Accompanying the bountiful wildlife sights such as the seven moose witnessed in a single outing and remarkable hiking trails are some stellar National Park experiences. As such, this Grand Teton Itinerary intends to help optimize your park visit and inspire the same love for it that I gained.

If you’re voyaging to Wyoming, there`s a high likelihood you’re probably heading to Yellowstone. Do not overlook my 4 day Yellowstone roadmap, providing all required knowledge – prime highlights to experience, scenery to witness, lodging alternatives, and how to make the most of a four day stay – to skillfully scheme the perfect trip.

Interested in combining Grand Teton with Yellowstone? Check out our Grand Teton and Yellowstone itinerary, which incorporates this 3 day trip with our 4 day Yellowstone guide for an outstanding 7 day adventure.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I earn a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, I would never recommend something to you that I don’t stand fully behind.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Grand Teton National Park?

Stop at Goat Lick Overlook to check for mountain goats along the way (and stretch your legs).

Spending three days in Grand Teton National Park is an excellent amount of time for avid hikers. Plus, this allows combining it with our four day Yellowstone itinerary and making it a week-long adventure.

While it is possible to see it in two days, you may feel rushed.

One day is insufficient. Undoubtedly. You’ll ultimately miss numerous things that render the park extraordinary.

On the other hand, I totally understand – you’ve got limited vacation time, and don’t have the luxury of spending more time exploring. If you could, I`m sure you would, right? Don`t worry, I`ll provide an option below to make the most of a single day.

Before discussing the most popular attractions in the park and how to organize your trip to make the most of your time there, some basic facts about Grand Teton should be covered.

So You Want to See Some Wildlife?

One of our favorite parts about Grand Teton was the incredible abundance of wildlife inhabiting the park. From pronghorns, which look like antelopes straight out of the Serengeti, to moose and grizzly bears, there’s a lot to see.

You need to remember that these are WILD animals. Some of them are accustomed to seeing crowds of humans gawking at them as they do the most mundane things, like dining or taking an afternoon nap, but that does not mean you can walk up to them and take a self-portrait.

Be sure to remain at a minimum distance of 25 yards from anything larger than a chipmunk, and 100 yards from bears and wolves.

Specially during the fall rutting period for elk and moose, when the males become irritated and aggressive.

Also, never ever intervene between a mom and her youngster. Ever.”

All that being said, you’re going to want to spend time observing some of the wildlife on your trip to Grand Teton National Park, right? Spotting the animals is easiest in the hours just before sunrise and just after sunset – approximately one hour before the sun comes up, and one hour after it sets. So you can expect to arise really early and not head to bed until rather late!

On our four day trip, we were up every morning at 5:30 am, back at camp between about 2 and 5pm, and then back out for sunset.

What are the best places to see Wildlife?

You can find wildlife all throughout the park, and where to look varies a bit by season. Generally, here are three spots encountered success spotting animals during the Grand Teton adventure.

Oxbow Bend: North of Jackson Lake, this locale offers splendid prospects to view elk, moose, beaver, and occasionally, bear in addition to wonderful perspectives of the Teton Range.
Blacktail Ponds: This scenic overlook near Mormon Row proved a returning area where we witnessed elk groups many times, including a calling male with his harem, narrowly missing a bull moose on multiple occasions as well.
Moose-Wilson Road: The roadside pulloff at the route`s northern terminus serves as a veritable wildlife treasure with sightings of a mother black bear and her three cubs along with a moose mother and calf (twice)! Be certain to walk the trail departing the parking area while making plenty of noise to avoid startling any animals along the way.

Leave No Trace

Millions of people flock to Grand Teton every year, and it puts a strain on the natural beauty and resources of the park. Practice leave no trace principles, and respect the park so that you can return and enjoy its beauty another time and preserve it for others to enjoy.

An Unforgettable 3 Day Grand Teton National Park Itinerary

Now that the fundamentals are clear, let`s focus on the core attractions in this Grand Teton guide. We experienced nearly all the spots covered in this schedule, except for a few hikes we lacked time for. Truly, our itinerary closely followed this plan.

Anticipate Peak Congestion from 10am-4pm. Grand Teton welcomes almost 3 million annual visitors, placing it among America`s 10 busiest national parks. The vast majority arrive 10am-4pm, leading to parking difficulties (especially by Jenny Lake) and overcrowding at boat docks, along easier trails. To experience Grand Teton`s tranquility, rise early or linger later in the day.

Day 1: Jenny Lake + Cascade Canyon

First thing initially, head over to Jenny Lake and get a parking spot in the notoriously busy lot next to the visitor’s center (if you’re camping at Jenny Lake, leave your car and walk over).

Hiking Near Jenny Lake

Spend your morning hiking along a lake along hiking trails that depart from a lake! A few of the top hikes in a certain national park located in Wyoming leave from this lake, and there are options suitable for every level of fitness and comfort outdoors.

Utilize the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle to traverse the lake and reduce the distance on foot by 4.5 miles. Regrettably, it does not operate extremely early in the day, so if wanting to get an advance start and beat the crowds, I’d advise hiking one direction, and taking the shuttle back across the lake, saving over 2 miles.”

Transport around the parks cost $18 for a round trip adult ticket ($10 one way), and $10 per child round trip ($8 one way).

Here are three great hikes that leave from Jenny Lake. Remember, add 4 miles if you opt not to take the shuttle (or 2 if you decide to take it one way).

Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point (1-2 miles, easy) – this hike reveals a beautiful waterfall called Hidden Falls and a vantage point named Inspiration Point with sweeping views over Jenny Lake from the east. ,

(Our Preferred Choice) Cascade Canyon Trail (9.5 miles, moderate difficulty) – I would suggest this route for you. Don’t be deterred by the distance as it’s actually an effortless hike after Inspiration Point. You’ll follow the path beyond Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point before traversing alongside the river through Cascade Canyon. This area, as an aside, is home to numerous moose that can often be spotted in the early morning when most active, presenting another reason for an early start. It provides scenic views, and I would highly recommend it over alternative routes. We avoided the shuttle bus and logged around 13.5 miles for the full loop. Be sure to carry adequate provisions for food and water along the way

Lake Solitude (16 miles, difficult) – Should one desire an extensive hike, this trail is recommended. The path follows the Cascade Canyon Trail until reaching a fork, turning right and continuing upwards toward Lake Solitude, adding 5.5 miles and a significant elevation gain, rendering it a challenging route only suitable for those in good physical condition for hiking. Upon arrival at the lake, Grand Teton towering above provides a spectacular sight.

The latter two excursions will occupy most of your day, so by the time you conclude them it will be afternoon. Return to your lodging and relax, recharge, dine, and prepare for your evening activity.

Wildlife Drive at Sunset

Roughly one hour before sunset is when it`s best to head out on a wildlife viewing excursion. You`ll want to make sure you`ve eaten and are prepared to depart at that time.

When prepared, head north of Jenny Lake to the Willow Flats scenic viewpoint. From there, you’ll be able to see across to the Grand Tetons, and numerous elk and moose frequently stay in the land below the scenic viewpoint. Walk out from the parking location to the left and follow the semi-established trail to the top of the hill for the best perspective. You won’t be alone, so inquire around to see if there’s any activity occurring.

Your final stop for the day is Oxbow Bend, which is not just beautiful, with Mt. Moran in the background, but may be the best place to find wildlife in the park. We saw a herd of elk across the river to the left of the parking area, and what I think was a beaver. Wander down the road in the direction of the Tetons to get a good vantage point over the river and surrounding marshy regions. If you’re fortunate, you’ll find moose hanging out in the willows.

Oxbow Bend is a great place to see the sunrise too. If you arrive thirty minutes before dawn on a clear day, you’ll have the treat of viewing the pink glow on Mt. Moran as the sun rises in the west behind you.

Insider Tip: Be certain to bring a quality set of optical binoculars so you`re capable of seeing wildlife from farther distances. We lacked such and truly regretted it. Here is a highly rated binocular option.

Day 2: Views and Moose

On your second day in the park, frame your day with scenic overlooks, and spend the middle of the day hiking to one of the numerous magnificent lakes in Grand Teton National Park.

Sunrise Views

Unlike most taco shops in LA, which tend to offer grilled taco fillings, Guisados focuses on slowly simmered, incredibly flavorful stewed fillings called “tacos de guisado.” We first came across these delightful specialties in Mexico City at Tacos Hola, and I don’t believe I`ve seen them prior in the US before our trip to LA.

The Teton Range glows with this amazing pink hue as the sun hits it, and both Alysha and I were mesmerized as the pink slowly turned to golden hour. An interesting fact: Ansel Adams enjoyed this spot!

Around 30 minutes after sunrise when its golden glow had illuminated the valley, head over to Mormon Row to check out the Instagram-famous T.A. Moulton Barn. I learned that this area is named Mormon Row for a reason – Mormons left Utah in search of additional land, found themselves in Wyoming with spectacular views of the Tetons, and said “Yeah, this looks rather satisfactory.” Not a bad place to secure real estate.

I’ll be completely honest – the barn was definitely one of those “Instagram vs. Reality” moments, particularly because we were there when it was a little smoky from wildfires on the West Coast. Still, it’s worth seeing, and it’s a good spot to find bison too. Make sure to head across the main road from T.A. Moulton barn to check out the rest of Mormon Row too.

Lakeside Hiking

Next, some leisurely lake admiring is in order. You`ve two great nearby options for that.

The first choice is String Lake and Leigh Lake, which is a 7 mile hike with almost no change in elevation along the lake. Park at the String Lake Trailhead, which is north of Jenny Lake, and head north initially along the shores of String Lake, then all the way to the north edge of Leigh Lake. Do remember to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it somewhere along the shoreline!

The second option is the Bradley and Taggart Lakes, which is a 6 mile hike with a bit of elevation gain that is south of Jenny Lake. On calm days, you’ll find a mirror image of the Tetons in the lakes, which is pretty cool. Try to get there before 10am, otherwise parking could be a nightmare and you’ll share the lakes with 100 of your new best friends.

Spend the afternoon unwinding once more before heading towards Moose-Wilson Road around sunset

We routinely utilized this specific area within the park for observing wildlife – returning multiple times always found amazing sights. Especially the initial scenic viewpoint on the left side if entering from the northern portion of the park. From the parking area, the vantage point above the Snake River provides quality views, and wandering the trail heading southwest may uncover even more sights!

We visited back three separate times at both sunrise and sunset, and here is what we observed:

On the first occasion at sunrise: A mother bear frolicking with her cubs across the river, and another bear seen eating some berries along the trail (this one was not closely observed to avoid disturbing it as it was near the trail).
The second time at sunrise: A baby moose and its mother moose grazing on grass were sighted! They were watched for around half an hour – fascination creatures.
The third time at sunset: The baby moose and mother moose again, although this time the mother moose was seen submerging in the river. It was very interesting to observe – was unaware moose were not just capable swimmers but also dove down to forage along the river bottom for food.

a brown horse standing in the middle of a forest

a small animal standing in a grassy field

Return to your vehicle and continue south along Moose-Wilson road for additional prime wildlife terrain, although there’s limited outlooks and the initial rest stop you previously halted at is decidedly the finest spot, if my assessment is valid.

Day 3: The Hike to Delta Lake

Time to kick off the final day of your Grand Teton National Park itinerary with a bang.

Schwabacher’s Landing at Sunrise

Wake up at dawn and head to Schwabacher`s Landing for a sunrise unlike any other.

This is one of the best photo spots in Teton, and with good reason. The Snake River bends and the foliage around it makes a great foreground, while the mountains rise up thousands of feet above the river in the background.

Simply stunning.

It also happens to offer opportunities to observe wildlife occasionally, with moose and elk potentially making an appearance.

It`s a dirt road to access it, but the bumpy drive is worthwhile. It`s a short trip.

Hike to Delta Lake

Next, head over to the Lupine Meadows trailhead, just south of Jenny Lake, and prepare for one of the most remarkable hikes in the park – Delta Lake. It is a 9 mile hike with 2,300 feet of elevation gain, which remains pretty constant throughout the hike until the last mile, when you ascend A GREAT DEAL in a brief distance.

You won’t see it listed in any of the hiking brochures distributed by the park because the latter part of the hike is unmaintained, but I spoke to a ranger and they were happy to provide information about how to do it safely.

It follows the Amphitheater/Surprise lake trail approximately halfway up, before branching off at the fifth switchback. If you’re coming up the trail, you’ll know it’s the correct place because the real trail continues up and to the left, and you’ll see some steep steps that head off to the right at the point where the trail switches back. You’ll want to have a map available, which you can use Alltrails for (save the hike to a list, open it when you have service, and then you’ll be able to use the GPS feature while you’re on the hike).

From there, it’s a climb through a rocky area (follow the marked stones and you’ll be fine – you need to make your way up and to the right), then a steep dirt path, and finally another mini rocky area. If the ground is wet, I’d be very careful.

We were convinced we`d have the trail to ourselves, since it remains unmaintained, but BOY WERE WE MISTAKEN.

You’ll get to enjoy the spectacular blue lake with at minimum fifty of your new best friends.

I`d still say it`s worth it – the views are pretty spectacular from all angles, with Grand Teton towering above the east end of the lake. Find a flat rock along the northern shore and sit down for a picnic lunch to spend some time taking it all in. Not many places offer views as good as this spot.

The hike took us the entirety of five hours (including our time spent at the summit) and we were both acclimated to the elevation and in our best physical shape yet from our summer spent road tripping and traversing 9 miles each day. I estimate at least 5-6 hours for the round-trip hike, which returns you to the trailhead later in the afternoon. Then head back to Jenny Lake to unwind along the shore somewhere and re-energize yourself.

Sunset Picnic at Signal Mountain Overlook

For your final hurrah, head to the scenic Signal Mountain outlook at sunset with a picnic meal. Pack cheese, crackers, sandwiches, beer or wine – truly whatever you fancy – and appreciate the sunset. You can drive up to the viewpoint or hike if in some way you`ve still got energy left after your big earlier hike.

Pro-tip: The viewpoint just before the summit actually provides a better view. Called the Jackson Lake overlook, it overlooks the lake and Grand Tetons.

Where to Stay in Grand Teton National Park

You have a couple alternatives here, both inside the park and outside the park in the town of Jackson.

Staying inside the Park

There are a few lodges inside the park if camping isn’t appealing. Lodges within national parks are generally expensive for the quality of accommodations, but unsurpassed in terms of setting. If you’re on a budget, look outside the park.

Jenny Lake Lodge: This lodge, located in the park, is considered to be the finest quality lodging offered. Though its scenic location beside Jenny Lake and String Lake cannot be surpassed, guests must be prepared to pay a higher price for the privilege of staying there. The cabins provide comfortable accommodations based on standards for national park lodging. Walking access is available to both nearby lakes from this property.
Jackson Lake Lodge: Found further north, this lodge is positioned closer to areas like Oxbow Bend and the Willow Flats Overlook that are renowned for wildlife observations within the park. Offering scenic vistas of both the lake and Tetons from its hilltop situation, it provides more modern facilities compared to most national park lodges, with options of either hotel-style rooms or private cottages.
Signal Mountain Lodge boasts a fairly central locale for exploring the park from its location on Signal Mountain. Lodging comes in the form of rustic cabins and lodge rooms that could benefit from renovation, but the setting is advantageous.
Colter Bay Village: As the northernmost of these four selections, it has the least optimal location within the park but offers the most affordable rates, meaning the small additional time required to reach many sites may be worthwhile for travelers on a budget.

Those wanting a self-proclaimed ranch experience should check out Triangle X! They offer 20 log cabins complete with private bathrooms and spectacular vistas of the Teton Range.

Camping in Grand Teton National Park

There are five campgrounds within the park, and all take reservations. They open six months in advance, and go quickly. For the best chance to secure a site, you’re going to want to get on right when the window opens. Seriously. Within five minutes. If you don’t snag one, the next best thing is consistently checking to try to grab an opening

If you plan on camping, you`ll want to reserve a campsite as soon as feasible – up to 6 months ahead if possible.

We were located at Jenny Lake Campground. It only contained one bathroom, making it rather basic, but being a short distance from the shoreline of Jenny Lake truly could not be outmatched. It is considered the premier campground in the park, known by all.

Signal Mountain provides another nice option. It’s situated on Jackson Lake, which is conveniently located in the park.

The Gros Ventre and Colter Bay campgrounds provide more options, with over 250 sites each. While they lack the intimate feel, securing a spot tends to be easier.

Staying Outside Grand Teton National Park

If staying inside the park is not an option due to expense, availability, or a preference for more comfortable lodging, there are three good choices nearby.

Staying North of the Park

The first choice outside the park is Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch. We spent an evening here because it was a Saturday and we weren`t certain we would be able to get a first-come-first-served camping spot inside the park.

And we realized that this spot is truly a good choice for exploring either Grand Teton, or Yellowstone.

It’s around 15 minutes outside both entrances. Camping options include first-come-first-served campsites, cabins without electricity but with a bunk bed, porch, firepit and outdoor table, and premium cabins.

Click here to review prices, opinions, and availability + Book a cabin

Staying in Wilson, Wyoming

Just outside the park’s southern entrance, you’ll find the town of Wilson. It’s a short trip from one of the best places to see wildlife in the park – along Moose Wilson Road!

It’s one of the closest places to stay outside the park itself, and will put you in a great position to be in the park early, before it gets extremely busy.

I would suggest exploring short-term home rentals in Wilson – as there are few hotel options available, and none particularly stood out. If seeking a hotel, consider locations near the close-by community of Teton Village.

Here are five lodging rentals that captured my attention.

(YES PLEASE – shown previously) Jackson Hole Modern Rustic Cabin – 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom

Outpost: Hollyhock 2011 – 1 bedroom + 1 bunk bed / 1 bathroom

The Outpost of Windflower 2113 – Accommodations for 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms

Beautiful Family Condo with Full Kitchen + Shared Pool & Hot Tub – 2 bedrooms (one has two twins) / 2 bathrooms

Location: Thistle 923 – House with 2 bedrooms + convertible sitting room / 2 bathrooms

Click here to locate the ideal lodging option in Wilson

Staying in Jackson, Wyoming

The other option outside the park is Jackson, Wyoming. It’s about 20 minutes (13 miles) away from the southern Moose entrance to the park, and 30 minutes from Jenny Lake

Vacation rentals in Jackson

I usually take pleasure in staying in vacation rentals, but I wasn’t that impressed with the selection in the town of Jackson itself. They’re mostly luxury condominiums, and are expensive given what you’re receiving. Plus, there aren’t too many good options for couples (or a group of two) – if you’re a couple and want to stay in the town of Jackson, then a hotel is your best choice (see below for hotel picks).

While that is true, there are several attractive rustic cabins that caught my eye that are worth exploring.

Beautiful Creekside Condo in Downtown Jackson – 2 bedrooms / 1 bathroom

Two Bedroom Property in Pitchfork – 2 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms

Outpost: Town Square Hideout 4A – 2 bedrooms + futon / 2 bathrooms

Downtown Jackson Hole Cabin (2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms) – 2 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms

click here to discover the ideal rental accommodation in jackson

Hotels in Jackson

There are surprisingly numerous stylish hotel alternatives in Jackson for you to opt from. Here are five that intrigued my interest based on style, location, and amenities.

Hotel Jackson – Casual Luxury

The Anvil – Very hip and trendy (and I like it!)

Mountain Modern Hotel – Contemporary & Trendy Mountain Style.

White Buffalo Club – Rustic & Elegant

Lexington at Jackson Hole – Fairly standard accommodations (some suites have full kitchens)