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GRAND TETON

WYOMING

Overview

OVERVIEW

Even if you don’t think you know much about the Tetons, you've probably seen them before - they're one of the most photographed mountain ranges and arguably one of America's most photogenic parks.

 

The Tetons reside in Jackson Hole, which was named for Davey Jackson, a prominent trapper in the area. The area has a long and rich cultural history, playing host to post-Ice Age paleo-Indians, a member of the Lewis & Clark expedition, early dude ranches, Ansel Adams, and more. Eventually, tourism increased, which led to the need for conservation. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. was at the forefront of the movement and purchased over 35,000 acres, which would eventually combine with the national park and monument to be the park that exists today.

 

Exploring the park today offers just about everything you could want in an alpine playground. The park is easy to access with the town of Jackson on its southern edge; wildlife is abundant; and there's more than plenty to do all surrounded by unreal natural beauty.

JUMP TO:

ITINERARY PLANNING  |  BEFORE YOU GO  |  IN THE MOMENT

KEY SIGHTS   LAY OF THE LAND  |  ITINERARY

VISITED: September 2020

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BEST FOR

This park has good options for everyone! I think this should earn a spot on the bucket list. But, if I had to put a label on it, it's a haven for photographers. Seriously - everything is beautiful, and you won't want to put your camera down.

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KNOWN FOR

Its iconic mountain range. You have certainly seen, likely as a screensaver, a shot of the Tetons reflecting in the Snake river or perhaps behind one of the barns on Mormon Row.

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POPULARITY

Very popular. In 2019, Teton was the 8th most visited park with 3.5M visitors. The bulk of those come in the summer due to winter closures.

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INFRASTRUCTURE

This park has some of the best infrastructure I've seen without intruding on nature. You'll find well established, but not purely paved trails, restaurants, hot showers, and extensive grocery stores (with booze).
Campsites were beautiful and well-equipped, but we found it pretty difficult to get a camping spot during COVID.

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TIME

A few days is probably good for most people! We felt pretty rushed with a day and a half. If you want to go into the backcountry, you could spend much longer.

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HIKING

Lots of the big sights are visible from the road, but the hikes here are impressive. There are 200+ miles of trails ranging from easy to those for experienced hikers. Due to the terrain most trails are steep and somewhat rocky.

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SPEED

It depends how far you want to venture into the mountains. You can see lots of sights from the road (potentially on the road to Yellowstone), but if you're game to step it up, there are plenty of advanced hikes and backpacking opportunities.

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GETTING THERE

This is the only national park with an airport inside it! Flying directly into Jackson Hole airport and then staying in town or the park is incredibly easy. Either way the amenities of Jackson Hole are right at your fingertips

WHEN TO GO

ITINERARY PLANNING

SEASON:

SPRING

Since it can snow anytime but is most likely up until June, May is really what Teton considers "spring." Many park services are still closed from the winter until mid-May. Fewer services mean fewer tourists, but it also means you may have a harder time fitting in all your highlights or accessing all terrain.

SUMMER

In contrast to the winter, summer means everything is open and lots of visitors flood the park. Instead of snow complicating how you get around, traffic may be the new challenge. The campgrounds will be open, but the crowds mean you will want to plan ahead for lodging. Warmer weather finally melts all the snow, allowing access for backcountry hiking and camping. Lakes open up for watersports and streams for fishing. The rising temperatures also mean fire is more likely. You may experience smoky skies or fire restrictions while camping.

FALL

Fall is a somewhat unpredictable, yet beautiful, transition season where snow begins to fall and services (including campgrounds and roads) begin to shut down, particularly after Labor Day. That said, we went in the fall and I was glad we did. The weather was chilly at night but perfect during the day, crowds were somewhat lower, and the leaves were beginning to change. Target late September for peak leaf-peeping.

WINTER

Teton transforms into a frigid winter wonderland this time of year. Prepare for bone-chilling cold while exploring the park on snowshoes or cross-country skis. The blanket of snow adds a level of drama to the mountain scenery but also scares away the vast majority of tourists. The park's campgrounds, visitor centers, and some roads will all close, changing the logistics of how you visit the park. The main road from Jackson to Yellowstone remains open, and the inner park road is occasionally groomed for skiers. The good news is, the town of Jackson is still at your fingertips, but you'll be competing for rooms and tables with the many skiers flocking to Jackson Hole for peak season.

DAYS TO SPEND:

Summary: About 3-4 days is ideal, depending on how much hiking you want to do. At the bare minimum, I would plan a day and a half.

Ideal: For most people, I think 3 days is probably about right, but you could spend much more time here.  If you are interested in catching views of animals, allow extra time to dedicate time at dusk and dawn heading to the best spots.

Minimum (our trip): We spent a day and a half in the park and it was jam-packed. We managed to hit most of the highlights, but we were constantly saying I wish we had more time. Particularly with regards to hiking and photography. I wished we had made it to Cascade Canyon before we ran out of time and had to turn back. The photographer in me also wanted as many reps at the sunset and sunrise that I could get.

For the adventurous: There are so many hikes here, particularly if you are experienced in the backcountry, you could spend many, many days in the park. I remember our Jenny Lake boat captain explaining that you could hike to Idaho once you got started on the trails if you wanted to. It's such a beautiful landscape, spending some time away from the buzz of the park would be well worth it.

TIME EACH DAY: 

This really depends on how much hiking you want to do. Because of the way the mountain range and lakes are positioned, it can take a while to get to the main part of a hike you are interested in. If you want to explore as much as possible, you'll have to get a head start pretty early and will likely take the full day (or overnight).

That said, if hiking isn't your main focus, you can take as much time as you want. The park road is actually pretty flat, straight, and easily accesses a lot of the major sights, so driving doesn’t limit you or add a lot of time to your day.

Itinerary Planning

BEFORE YOU GO

TICKETS:​

Needed? Yes, but you can get a pass at the park entrance, which is good for a week. Alternatively, you can buy an AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PASS, which gives you access to all National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands for a full year. Because the airport is in the park, it is accessible without paying the park fee.

 

Cost: $35 per car for one week of access or $80 (+$5 fees) for America the Beautiful Pass (also good for one car).

PERMITS:

For backcountry access: Backcountry permits are required. Advance reservations for summer are only accepted from the 1st week in January through May 15. Walk-up permits are issued no more than a day in advance. No additional climbing permits are needed.

For boating / floating: Watercraft are only permitted on certain lakes and motor / sailboats are restricted further. You also must purchase a boat permit and obtain a decal showing your boat has been inspected for AIS (aquatic invasive species)

For fishing: A license is required for fishing, which can be purchased at Colter Bay or Signal Mountain as well as various shops in town. Depending on where you want to fish, be sure to check for seasonal closures and restrictions. Also, take note of creel & size limits and legal tackle restrictions.

GETTING THERE:

​For better or for worse, this has to be THE easiest national park to access. You can fly directly into the Jackson Hole airport, which is inside the park. Once you touch down, it's just a quick 15-minute drive into town. If you're heading to / from Yellowstone, it's just a little over an hour from Jackson to the South Entrance.

GETTING AROUND:

This park is surprisingly easy to get around, especially given its rugged mountain terrain. Most of the roads are in the park's valley, so you don't have to deal with hairpin turns perched on cliffs like in other parks. The roads are mostly laid out in a big loop, which hits most of the park's highlights. The road format made our day a lot easier, and we felt like we didn’t waste a ton of time getting from place to place.

That said, that all goes out the window once the snow falls. The roads (beyond the main highway from Jackson to Yellowstone) will all shut down from the fall to the spring. If you're up for it, the smaller roads are groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

LODGING & CAMPING 

​RESERVATION NEEDED?

For camping: Yes. Unfortunately, when we went, no reservations were available in the park. For us, this was a huge pain. The rangers told us that they had seen record numbers of campers and that some days the entire park was full up by 9-10 AM. This has all changed, which is great news! If you want to camp, take advantage of the new reservation system.

For hotels: Very available, but would book ahead. The town of Jackson is right on the edge of the park. It's a ski town so there are plenty of hotels and rentals both in town and near the resort. To get the best selections and pricing, I would book early. If you are planning on coming to Jackson during ski season, I would especially plan ahead and be wary of the most popular ski weekends (Christmas, New Years, MLK, Presidents Day, Spring Break, etc.)

BEST OPTIONS

For camping: Since we went after Labor Day, some of the campgrounds were starting to close down. We targeted Signal Mountain but were unable to get a spot. The system at the time (during COVID), was to circle around the campground trying to spot someone leaving and put your tag on the spot. It was horribly inefficient and wasted a good portion of our morning.

Going into the day, I wanted to avoid the mega campgrounds, but Colter Bay (one of the largest) ended up being our saving grace. A ranger managed the reservations, so while we had to wait in a fairly long line of cars, we were given a definite campsite to drive to without all the circling. Colter Bay also had all the amenities you could need. We had a nice hot meal at the restaurant, purchased firewood and beer at the very well-stocked grocery store, and talked with the rangers at the station. If you needed a hot shower or gas, it was at your fingertips.

For more details on camping scroll down to the LAY OF THE LAND section to see campgrounds in each area of the park.

For hotels: The nice thing is, this is a park where you don't have to camp to get the best of it. Jackson is so close and the road system is efficient at getting you where you want to go. So, if a hotel is more your speed, you aren't missing out on seeing the park. There are lots of options from very high-end hotels to reasonable rentals in Jackson.

Before You Go

IN THE MOMENT

DON'T FORGET:

Good hiking boots: We saw far too many people in ridiculous footwear on some trails where you really should've been armed with hiking boots. Not only can it be unsafe to be in sandals, but good footwear also makes things a lot more comfortable (read: fun)!

Water: Altitude is real, which means you will get dehydrated a lot quicker than you realize. Drink more water than you think you need particularly if not used to the altitude. I've fallen victim to altitude sickness before - you feel fine until you don't and then you feel terrible.

Layers: Temperature fluctuates pretty significantly here. When we woke up for sunrise, we sat shivering in down jackets, gloves, etc. Later in the day, we would've probably been comfortable in a T-shirt. Also, altitude once again plays a role here. As you climb (which you will if you hike), you lose 3.5* per 1,000 feet of elevation.

Backpacking gear if you are up for it: You need to know what you're doing and get a permit, but being able to backpack here unlocks a whole part of the park that is unknown to most visitors. The park is beautiful at every turn, but having a slice to yourself would be well worth it.

A great camera (or at least clear phone storage): I had to remind myself to put my camera down, just to soak it all in because everything you see is worthy of a shutter click. The landscapes are unreal and there are animals popping up everywhere. You won't leave with an empty memory card.

LEAVE NO TRACE! See the box below for more info on keeping the parks great for everyone.

DON'T MISS:

The amazing scenery: The namesake Tetons are obviously THE highlight of the park. I barely made it into the park before I pulled over to take in the view (an obvious rookie move). That said, the beautiful scenery is everywhere you look. Explore and soak it all in.

Getting up into the mountains on the trail: The geography of the park means that you can see A LOT just from the main road that cuts through the flat portion of the park. If you are up for it, don't just look up at the mountains, get up in them. The waterfalls alone are worth the trip, but you'll also have a better chance to catch some species of the park's wildlife.

Moose-Wilson Road: We actually did miss this despite best-laid plans, but we heard amazing things about this narrow, winding stretch of road between Teton Village and the Moose Visitor Center. The road is great for opportunities to see wildlife including bears and moose, particularly during berry season in the fall. Remember to give the animals plenty of space and to prepare for traffic jams along the road. The road will also occasionally close due to grizzly bear activity. 

Sunrise: With the way the mountains are positioned, sunrise is your best bet for amazing photos of the mountains. Sunset can be great too, but the sun sets behind the mountains. Sunrise casts a purple alpenglow on the range and clouds and is well worth the early start time.

STAY SAFE:

Give animals their distance: Stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other animals. Understand that moose and elk can be very territorial. Do not approach or feed wildlife - no matter how great the photo opportunity seems!

Know that this is bear country: Don’t hike alone and avoid sneaking up on bears by making noise. Don't leave food or gear unattended - even briefly. Make sure to use bear boxes for ALL food and "smell-ables" including things like deodorant and sunscreen. Read up on what to do if you do encounter a bear, but do not drop your pack, do not run, and use bear spray if charged.

Practice good fire safety: Make sure to build fires in designated areas, keep them monitored, and fully extinguish them. Pay attention to any restrictions that are in place. Do not dispose of any tobacco products on the ground. 

In the Moment

LEAVE NO TRACE

"LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS, TAKE ONLY PHOTOGRAPHS"

 

While the national parks can feel more like an amusement park or zoo at times, it's important to remember their purpose is to protect extraordinary and often fragile ecological, geographical, and cultural wonders. To ensure we disturb as little as possible and preserve as much as possible, you should follow 7 key principles. As an experienced outdoorsman, these should be old hat, but for new park visitors it's easy to think these principles only apply to those in the backcountry. Don’t make that mistake!

 

CLICK HERE to learn more about how you can do your part.

1.

PLAN AHEAD & PREPARE

Planning ahead helps you accomplish the other 6 principles. With a plan you are less likely to run out of water, get stuck camping in an unsafe spot, need a fire during a fire ban, carry unnecessary waste, etc.

5.

MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS

A camp stove offers much lower environmental impact vs. a fire. Determine if you even can build a fire without damage by evaluating fire danger (and restrictions), fuel sufficiency, and your own skills. If you do opt for a fire instead of a stove, select a site with sufficient wood and an existing fire ring. Then carefully gather wood with the least impact, monitor the fire, and clean up like you were never there.

2.

TRAVEL & CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES

Staying on the trail and in established campsites helps minimize damage to fragile landscapes and vegetation. Where that is not possible, understand the impact of walking on different types of surfaces.

6.

RESPECT WILDLIFE

Think of respecting wildlife as not altering their behavior with your own. This means not getting too close or too loud so that they feel frightened, potentially fleeing or worse, attacking you. It also means not trying to get their attention or feeding them. Animal behavior will alter over time if "trained" by humans. Touching animals can also harm either you or the animal through disease, abandonment, or injury.

3.

DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY

Basic idea: "pack it in, pack it out." No matter what you bring, it comes back with you, including leftovers, feminine products, etc. Be sure to dig catholes for human waste and dispose of wastewater (with minimal biodegradable soap) 200+ ft. from water sources.

7.

BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS

Many people come to the outdoors to get away from it all - respect that! Take care to keep noise levels down, pets under control (including their mess), and nature preserved for others. Be aware of your use of technology (e.g. music and drones). Also practice good trail etiquette. Uphill travelers and those on horseback have the right of way. Cyclists should yield to both hikers and equestrians.

4.

LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND

This seems easy, but is also easy to break. Leaving what you find applies to EVERYTHING including arrowheads, flowers, fallen trees, even seashells at the beach. Avoid disturbing the ground or trees, including hammering hooks for hammocks or carving initials. It's easier to throw off nature's balance than you might think, especially if everyone "just does a little."

Key Sights & Trails

KEY SIGHTS & TRAILS

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EAST

MORMON
ROW

Mormon Row is a group of 19th-century farm buildings, leftover from the Mormon community that sprung up here as their population expanded. There were once 27 homesteads, some of which are still standing, including the famous Moulton Barns, which stand in view of the Cathedral Group, making for an iconic photo.

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EAST

SNAKE RIVER OVERLOOKS

The Snake River winds through the valley at the base of the mountains, and there are several overlooks to catch a great view. Try Oxbow Bend for beautiful fall foliage and wildlife spotting, Schwabacher's Landing for sunrise photography, or the Snake River Overlook to recreate Ansel Adam's famous photograph.

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WEST

JENNY 

LAKE

Jenny Lake is beautiful in itself, but across (or around) its shores is the starting point for a variety of trails. One of the main trails heads to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, then continues on to Cascade Canyon. The views from above are breathtaking and wildlife is more abundant in the backcountry.

Image by Aleesha Wood
JACKSON

MOOSE-WILSON ROAD

This winding, partially paved road connects Teton Village to the Moose portion of the park. Lined with berries, the road is very popular with wildlife including bears and moose. This also makes it one of the most popular scenic drives for tourists in Teton. Take the trip, but remember to stay safe around the animals!

Lay of the Land

LAY OF THE LAND

​THE EAST | VIEWING THE MOUNTAINS:

For being a park famous for its mountains, half of this park is really flat, making the rise of the mountains all that more dramatic. On the flat eastern side of the park, you will find several cultural and historic sites and dramatic overlooks of the Snake River.

​SIGHTS
  • Mormon Row: This is a group of 19th-century farm buildings, leftover from the Mormon community that sprung up here as their population expanded. There were once 27 homesteads, some of which are still standing, including the famous Moulton Barns, which stand in view of the Cathedral Group, making for an iconic photo.

  • Snake River Overlooks: The Snake River winds through the valley at the base of the mountains, and there are several overlooks to catch a great view. Try Oxbow Bend for beautiful fall foliage and wildlife spotting, Schwabacher's Landing for sunrise photography, or the Snake River Overlook to recreate Ansel Adam's famous photograph.

  • Dude Ranches: When Rockefeller bought up thousands of acres of land and eventually the government created and expanded the park, a few landowners refused to sell resulting in some pockets of private property in the park. Some of these properties became dude ranches, introducing the "dudes" of the city to the wonders of the west. There are a few ranches in and near the park that host guests and offer a chance to play cowboy.

CAMPING

Gros Ventre

This is the largest campground in Teton. Located in the southeast portion, the campground is also the closest to Jackson and just a short way away from the Gros Ventre River.

  • Logistics: 279 reservable sites including 39 with electric hookups and 4 group sites, and a dump station.

  • Amenities: Flush toilets, cell reception, amphitheater, bear boxes, firewood and ice for sale

LODGING

Triangle X

This dude ranch has a rich history and offers a variety of western activities with a backdrop of the beautiful Tetons for guests. The ranch is open from mid-May to mid-October and during peak winter season.

Lost Creek Ranch

Another dude ranch option with stunning views of the mountains. This one isn't technically in the park, but it is the one featured in a Modern Family episode! Ride a horse, take a float trip, or try your hand at fly fishing during your stay.

​THE WEST | IN THE MOUNTAINS:

The west side of the park presents endless opportunities for exploration. There are many miles of trails through the mountains and crisp, clear alpine lakes. This part of the park doesn’t have so many "sights" per se, so check out our day hike guide or plan a longer backpacking adventure to take it all in.

​SIGHTS
  • Jenny lakeThis is one of the more popular areas in the park. Get there late and you'll have to hike from your parking spot before you even make it to the trail. There are lots of beautiful hikes in the area, including the popular day hikes to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point or longer trips into Cascade Canyon and beyond.
    Bonus: If you want to cut out the extra distance hiking around the lake, you can catch the boat shuttle. Just note the line at the end of the day to get back gets really busy.
    Check out the DAY HIKE GUIDE for more info about hikes around Jenny Lake.

  • Signal MountainYou can choose to hike (moderate 6.8 miles out-and-back) or drive to the top of the 7,727 ft Signal Mountain for sweeping views of Jackson Hole and the Tetons.

  • Jackson Lake: Jackson Lake is the largest in the park and one of your better bets for water activities. It's one of only two lakes (along with Jenny) that allow motorized watercraft and there are several marinas and campgrounds on or near the shore. 

  • Chapel of Sacred HeartBelieve it or not, there's a Catholic Church hiding up here in the mountains. The rustic log structure is a chapel associated with Our Lady of the Mountains in Jackson proper.

  • Other lakes: There are a number of alpine lakes for hikers to explore. Taggart Lake is popular as are String and Leigh Lakes. Take advantage of hikes around lakes and into canyons or paddling opportunities on the water.

CAMPING

Jenny Lake Campground

This small campground is very popular and not far from the shore of Jenny Lake.

  • Logistics: 61 tent-only, reservable sites. Note: vehicles cannot be over 8 ft. high or 10 ft. long. Reservations allow one tent, one vehicle, and six guests for up to seven nights.

  • Amenities: Flush toilets, cell reception, coin-operated showers, bear boxes, camp store (with wood and ice)

 

Signal Mountain Campground

This campground is situated in a lodgepole pine forest just above Jackson Lake. Enjoy views of the lake and mountains depending on the site.

  • Logistics: 81 reservable sites including 25 electric hookups. RVs are allowed up to 30 ft. Max. stay is 14 nights.

  • Amenities: Flush toilets, coin-operated showers, cell reception, internet, dump station, laundry, bear boxes, amphitheater, camp store (with firewood and ice)

 

Colter Bay Campground

This sizeable campground offers a whole host of amenities In the lodgepole pine forest near Jackson Lake.

  • Logistics: 324 reservable sites including 13 with electric hookups, 10 walk-to or boat-to sites, and 10 group sites. The RV park offers an additional 112 RV-only, reservable sites all with electric hookups.

  • Amenities: Flush toilets, coin-operated showers, laundry, dump station, cell reception, internet, bear boxes, amphitheater, camp store (with wood and ice)

 

Lizard Creek Campground

Lizard Creek is one of the more rustic campgrounds in the park, located at the northern range in a spruce and fir forest on the shores of Jackson Lake.

  • Logistics: 60 reservable sites (no electric)

  • Amenities: Flush toilets, cell reception, bear boxes, amphitheater, wood and ice for sale

 

Headwaters Campground

Sandwiched between Teton and Yellowstone in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, this campground is good for those wanting to explore both parks without packing up camp.

  • Logistics: 171 reservable sites including 34 tent sites, 97 full-hookup and pull-through RV sites. There are also 40 camper cabins.

  • Amenities: Flush toilets, hot showers, laundry, bear boxes, dump station, amphitheater, camp store (with wood and ice)

LODGING

Jenny Lake Lodge

The AAA four-diamond lodge offers cabins in a great location in the park. Rooms are comfortably outfitted with mini-fridges, Wi-Fi, and porches with rocking chairs. Also, take advantage of the seasonal 5-course tasting menu at the lodge's dining room. The lodge is open from June 1 to early October.

Signal Mountain Lodge

Pick from hotel-style or cabin-style rooms at this lodge. Some of the cabins are right on the shores of Jackson Lake. The cabins are historic but have been recently remodeled, and the lodge is one of the few opportunities for Wi-Fi in the park. Rooms are available from early May to mid-October.

Jackson Lake Lodge

This more modern, full-service hotel offers standard rooms, suites, and cottages. The hotel sits on a bluff overlooking Jackson Lake and offers creature comforts like multiple restaurants and Wi-Fi. The season runs from Mid-May to early October.

Colter Bay

The cabins and tent cabins here are perfect for guests who want to get active and take advantage of the many activities near Colter Bay Village. The cabins are available from late May to early October.

Headwaters Lodge

While technically outside the park, this lodge is a good option for people wanting to explore both parks from one lodge. Stay at the cabin-style rooms from early June to late September.

​MOOSE-WILSON:

This part of the park in the southern region between Teton Village and the park headquarters is best known for the eponymous Moose-Wilson Road, but there are also a couple of popular trailheads in the area to explore.

​SIGHTS
  • Moose-Wilson Road: This winding, partially paved road connects Teton Village to the Moose portion of the park. Lined with berries, the road is very popular with wildlife including bears and moose. This also makes it one of the most popular scenic drives for tourists in Teton. Take the trip, but remember to stay safe around the animals!

  • Headquarters / Visitor Center: This is a great place to start your trip whether picking up information, permits, or a few souvenirs. You can also explore the nearby Menors Ferry Historic District, one of the early homesteads in Teton.

  • Death Canyon: This is another popular trailhead that offers hikes ranging from moderate to very strenuous that overlook Phelps Lake or into Death Canyon.

LODGING

Dornan's

Rent a cabin here along the edge of the Snake River and take advantage of the nearby amenities including the park's headquarters.

​JACKSON & TETON VILLAGE:

While not technically part of the park, the nearby town can definitely be a big part of your experience here. Maybe camping and cooking out isn't your forte; you can still explore the park by day and enjoy all the amenities of town at night. Or maybe you're into winter sports, Jackson is an iconic ski town come winter.

​SIGHTS & ACTIVITIES 
  • Skiing: Jackson Hole is a renowned ski resort that's not for the faint of heart. If you're up for it, take the iconic red tram up to the top for a dizzying ride down. Courbet's Couloir is one of the most famous ski runs in the world. Jackson Hole is on many skiers' bucket lists, but it wouldn't be my first pick for a novice.

  • Town square: Marked by four dignified antler arches, Jackson's town square is a cute little spot to relax and people-watch. Shops and restaurants line the edge of the square, so there's plenty here to keep you entertained for a few hours

DINING

We weren't in town long enough for me to give a comprehensive list, but I'd definitely recommend the two places we did eat!

  • Hand Fire Pizza: This place was awesome. The restaurant is set in a cool old theater with neon signage and specializes in wood-fired pizza. The BBQ pizza hit the spot with tender pork, a tangy-sweet sauce, and light crispy crust. I also highly recommend the Saddle Bronc Brown if you're looking for a beer.) Only thing I'll say: they are not open for lunch (at least not when we were in town), so make sure to include this on your list of dinner spots.

  • Orsetto: We wanted to carb up before our few days camping and booked a reservation at this trendy Italian spot not far from the town square. I had a seafood pasta that was a little rich for me, but the classic Bolognese was crowd-pleasing.

Itinerary

OUR ITINERARY

01

Explore Jackson and wander into the park for the first time, catching a mountain sunset and soaking in the views.

02

Rise with the sun, then venture into the Tetons, exploring to find waterfalls and wildlife before exploring Mormon Row..

03

Make your way to Yellowstone and explore the geological wonders: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, and more.

04

Explore the northern portion of Yellowstone starting at the canyon, then moving to the hot springs and Lamar Valley.

Map

MORE TO SEE

Yellowstone: PTO Travel Pro* | Itinerary Teton & Yellowstone: PTO Travel Pro* | Sequoia & King's Canyon: PTO Travel Pro* | Telluride: PTO Travel Pro*

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