The Teton Range stands tall over Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.
Their recognizable formation is alluring to mountaineers, photographers, hikers, and road trippers alike.
We will be traveling across the park from south to north with stops at all of the best attractions! Grab your camera, binoculars, and hiking gear, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget – a memorable Grand Teton National Park road trip.
Your Grand Teton Itinerary
Day 1 of Your Grand Teton Road Trip
This Grand Teton National Park road trip departs from Jackson, Wyoming.
A popular ski town in the winter, Jackson becomes the ultimate gateway town to the Tetons for summer road trips and recreation.
As you make your way north toward the Moose Entrance, the National Elk Refuge hugs the road to the right.
This area is home to one of the largest elk herds ever recorded! There is no fee to enter the refuge if you’re interested in getting a closer look.
Moose Junction
Welcome to the park! When you arrive at the Moose Junction, clearly marked, turn left onto Teton Park Road.
Soon after turning, you’ll cross over the Snake River, the largest tributary to the Colombia River. The Moose Visitor Center is located down a road on the left and is a great place to ask questions about the park.
Windy Point Turnout
As you’ve probably noticed, there are no bad views in Grand Teton National Park!
If you’re eager to get some early morning photos of the mountains, use the Windy Point Turnout soon after the Moose Entrance Station.
From here, you’ll be able to see Grand Teton, Mount Owen, Middle Teton, and Teewinot Mountain in the distance.
Taggart Lake
Time to get the blood flowing with a 3-mile hike to Taggart Lake. Fair warning, the Taggart Lake Trailhead parking area fills up early in the day. Arriving in the morning will be worth it!
From the Taggart Lake Trailhead, head down the trail until you come to the loop junction. Take a right at the junction to stay on the Taggart Lake Trail. A little farther down the trail, you’ll cross a bridge over Taggart Creek. Check out that waterfall!
Not much farther now, Taggart Lake sits at the base of the Teton Range with the mighty peaks standing proudly in the background.
After completing your photo op and taking in some mountain air, continue back the way you came… or add an extra mile to your round-trip by taking Beaver Creek Trail back to the Taggart Creek Trailhead. Both paths lead back to your vehicle and onto the next adventure!
Jenny Lake
There is so much to do at Jenny Lake! If the views weren’t enough for you, there’s also a visitor center, boat shuttles, camping, concessions, and amazing trail access.
All aboard! Park near the Jenny Lake Visitor Center and take the short trail towards the docks to catch the boat. The boat shuttle runs every 15 minutes and there is a small fee for riding. Worth every penny! Enjoy the ride until you hop off the boat on the west side of the lake at the base of the magnificent peaks.
The fun is just getting started. Any waterfall lovers here? From the dock, Hidden Falls is only a 2-mile round trip hike. This easy to access falls drops 100 ft!
If you’re looking to add in some more hiking miles and really want to earn that ice cream waiting for you at the Jenny Lake Store. Forgo the return boat shuttle and take the loop trail 4 miles along the southern half of the lake for prime wildlife and mountain viewing opportunities!
Back at the parking area, it’s time to refuel and relax by the rocky shore before hitting the road!
String Lake
Take the One Way South scenic road and don’t forget to stop at the Cathedral Group Turnout for more breathtaking mountain views. Not much farther down the road, you’ll want to make a right to head to the String Lake Picnic Area.
Hot summer days and String Lake were meant for each other! The picnic area at the crystal clear lake has an inviting sandy beach with plenty of room to set out chairs and towels for an afternoon swim.
If your legs aren’t cooked from the day’s hikes, there is an easy 4-mile loop trail that rounds the lake and offers additional views of the neighboring Leigh Lake. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you make your way around the loop.
Day one ends back at the beaches of String Lake. For an easy start tomorrow, consider spending the night at one of the conveniently located campgrounds or lodges within Grand Teton National Park.
Insider Tip: Watch the sunset over the Teton Range from the Jenny Lake Overlook off of the One Way South scenic road, take a peek at the uninterrupted starry night sky and rest up for another exciting day.
Day 2 of Your Grand Teton Road Trip
Good morning road trippers! Ready to start this adventure-filled day?
The northern half of Grand Teton National Park awaits! Make your coffee to go because this mountain sunrise is going to be epic.
Mountain View Turnout
Just past the turn to head toward Sting Lake on the Teton Park Road, you’ll find the Mountain View Turnout on the left.
Appropriately named, this viewpoint is a great spot to set up a tripod. Bring some camp chairs, blankets, and that hot coffee we talked about to watch the sunrise over the Teton Range.
Signal Mountain Road
Soon after leaving the Mountain View Turnout, Jackson Lake begins to come into sight.
Sitting at 6,772ft above sea level, this massive lake has a surface area of 4,750 acres! Take the scenic drive up Signal Mountain Road to get a look at the lake from above via the Jackson Point Overlook. Take this road slowly. There’s no rush. The switchbacks become very tight at the top and require conservative speeds to travel safely.
Up for a longer hike? You can get to the Jackson Point Overlook on Signal Mountain on foot. The moderate 7-mile round trip hike is well worth the early morning incline. For the sake of time, it may be worthwhile to opt for the scenic drive up to the viewpoint today.
Jackson Lake Dam
Just after passing over the Jackson Lake Dam, there is a road on the right leading down to a parking area next to the river.
Walk up the steps toward the sidewalk and make your way across the dam for awesome views of the Tetons over Jackson Lake. Across the road, there are some paved interpretive trails along the lake that are fun and easy to explore.
The parking area next to the Snake River at the dam’s outflow is a popular spot to stop and cast a fly!
Christian Pond Loop
Wildflowers and wildlife wait for you along the Christian Pond Loop Trail! This easy 3.5-mile hike departs from the trailhead parking next to the horse corrals at the Jackson Lake Lodge. As you approach the pond, be on the lookout for moose and elk grazing as well as trumpeter swans gliding through the shallow water.
The trail leads to the shores of Emma Matilda Lake before looping back toward the trailhead. Take a little detour and hike along the lake’s edge. Another great spot for wildlife viewing! When you’ve taken it in all in, head back to the Christian Pond Loop and back to the parking area.
Colter Bay Village
It’s easy to spend a full day in the Colter Bay Village area, so we have narrowed it down to the best activities!
From the Colter Bay Visitor Center, take a leisurely hike along the Lakeshore Trail. This 2-mile nature trail offers amazing views of Mount Moran behind Jackson Lake. The trail will bring you along the lake’s astonishing shore. Don’t forget the camera!
After your hike, make your way over to the nearby Colter Bay Marina just in time for the Jackson Lake Scenic Lunch Cruise! The boat will take you to the shore of Elk Island in the middle of the lake, where you can explore and enjoy a picnic-style lunch. There’s nothing like the panoramic views from this scenic cruise.
Want to guide your own watercraft around the lake? You can also rent canoes and kayaks at the marina and explore the lake shores on your own time! Paddling away from the high-use areas around Colter Bay provides great opportunities to catch a glimpse of wildlife along the water.
Lakeview Picnic Area
Take in one last good view of Jackson Lake at the Lakeview Picnic area on the northern part of the lake. From the picnic area, there is easy access to the lake’s shore for photos.
Those who are feeling extra brave can jump in for an icy swim!
Your exciting two-day Grand Teton itinerary ends on the shore of Jackson Lake.
From here, continue north toward Yellowstone National Park where we leave you to discover your next adventure!
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