How to Plan One Day in Grand Teton National Park

I have some regrets about this one, but one day is all we had in Grand Teton National Park.

We made the same mistake many other travelers do. Grand Teton is often overlooked by travelers looking to get to parks like Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park.

Our trip to Grand Teton wasn’t an afterthought, but we did prioritize the bigger parks that came after. If you’re able, spend a bit more time in the Tetons, especially if the weather is cooperating.

If you’re like us, short on time but big on sights, you can still have a spectacular time with one day in Grand Teton National Park. The itinerary I’ll share with you here is how we approached our trip, but I’ll include some extra things to do for those with more time.

Is Grand Teton National Park worth seeing?

Grand Teton is worth seeing for its dramatic mountain scenery, alpine lakes, and plentiful wildlife. The park is a great option for hikers and amateur photographers. (Professional photographers obviously love it, too.)

It’s much smaller than Yellowstone, but that only means you can be more efficient when visiting Grand Teton.

I’d love to return to see the park with clear skies. We had to deal with quite a bit of smog on our trip, so my photos aren’t as spectacular as I know they could be. That only means we’ll have to get back.

Is one day enough for Grand Teton?

You only need one day in Grand Teton National Park if you’re here for the highlights. If you’re an avid hiker, you’ll want to spend two or three days in the park to get in a longer day hike or two on top of the top attractions.

No matter how much time you dedicate to the park, you’ll likely want to come back. This one is impressive, and the more time you give it, the more chances you have to see impressive wildlife and the less touristed areas of the park.

When to Visit Grand Teton National Park

The best months to visit Grand Teton National Park are from mid-May through late September.

Visitor centers and hiking trails are open in the park during this time, although it’s always prudent to check park conditions with the National Park Service before you go. For the best weather, you’ll want to visit during the summer from June through early September.

Keep in mind that’s peak season in the park, so things will be busier and more expensive.

Grand Teton doesn’t get as crazy as Yellowstone or Yosemite in the peak months, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan ahead. Book any accommodations and rental cars well in advance of any travel to the park.

READ MORE: Traveling to Yellowstone while you’re here? Accommodations there are even more intense. Check out this guide!

How to Get to Grand Teton National Park

The closest airport to Grand Teton is Jackson Hole Airport, which actually sits within the park’s boundaries. It isn’t easy to find good deals through Jackson, though, as it is a smaller airport.

If you have the time, flying into Salt Lake City may save you some dollars on flights. The drive from there is five hours, but the trip boasts some good scenery on the approach to Grand Teton. Those with more time to travel through Wyoming won’t regret it.

READ MORE: Starting in Salt Lake City? We love it there! Check out our detailed guide.

Getting Around Grand Teton National Park

The best way to explore Grand Teton is on a self-drive tour of the park. Access to a car allows you to explore the park more efficiently.

Those unable to drive through the park have another option if they stay at one of the park lodges. Several, including the Jackson Lake Lodge, offer guests free shuttles to get to some of the park’s highlights. 

Just keep in mind that you’re operating on shuttle schedules rather than your own, though.

If driving freaks you out and the shuttle sounds inefficient, another option is booking a guided experience and a Grand Teton National Park tour. Here are a few highly-rated options:

How to Spend One Day in Grand Teton National Park

Here’s how you can spend one day in Grand Teton National Park:

• Start at the Mormon Row Historic District.
• Tour the Menors Ferry Historic District.
• Marvel at Jenny Lake.
• Hike to Hidden Falls.
• Visit Signal Mountain Lodge.
• Drive to the top of Signal Mountain.
• See Jackson Lake Dam.
• Snap photos at Oxbow Bend and the Willow Flats Overlook.
• Take a dip in Colter Bay Village.
• Grab a drink with a view at Jackson Lake Lodge.

This itinerary has you coming in from the southern end of the park and Jackson, the most popular route. You can do a full loop if you start early enough or call it a day once you reach the Jackson Lake Lodge. I’ll include options for both.

You don’t need a reservation for the park. Grand Teton doesn’t offer them. Arrive whenever you’d like and pay your fee of $35 per vehicle unless you’re visiting with your America the Beautiful pass.

The park fee you pay to get in is good for a week in case you’re able to extend your stay.
For those here for the day, start as early as you can manage, especially during the summer months. The park’s main attractions get busy.

Stop 1: Mormon Row Historic District

Welcome to the prettiest spot in Wyoming. The photos you’ll take here frame themselves, particularly once you get to T.A. Moulton’s barn.

Fun fact: Moulton and his family built the barn between 1912 and 1945. I know, that’s a big range of time.

A lack of historical information aside, you’re here for the views. It just so happens that Moulton’s barn and the surrounding historic structures have one of the best backdrops in the country: the Teton Range. 

This is the spot where people bust out their professional-type cameras. I don’t have one, but I could feel the allure here.

Stop 2: Menors Ferry Historic District

Travel north to Moose for another scenic spot. The Menors Ferry Historic District in Moose was at one time a ferry crossing over the Snake River and the homestead of its namesake, William D. Menor.

Fun fact: Menor, or just Bill if you’re casual, was a big deal in these parts. He was the region’s postmaster while running a smokehouse and blacksmith shop and the ferry that ran supplies back and forth across the river.

You can have a self-guided tour of the buildings that remain here. That includes a general store, several barns, and the Chapel of the Transfiguration, a small log cabin that also boasts beautiful views behind the Tetons. 

If you love a good visitor center, pop by the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose before you continue the rest of this itinerary.

Stop 3: Jenny Lake

Your next stop is South Jenny Lake. You’ll pass Taggart Lake to get there. With more time, the Taggart Lake Loop is about three miles round-trip to mountain range vistas, babbling brooks, and the expected lake.

It starts a little over two miles north of the Moose entrance of the park. If you’re following along here, head to the Jenny Lake Visitors Center. There are bathrooms there if you like the facilities, and several trails to get closer to the lake.

The full loop around the lake is a little over seven miles, but you don’t need to do all of that to get those lake vibes. Any amount of strolling will reward you with panoramas of the Cathedral Group. That’s Mount Owen, the Grand Teton, and Teewinot.

Parking can get tricky around here, as this is a popular stop on most Grand Teton itineraries. Being an early bird is rewarding in this case, as the lot tends to fill up around 9am, particularly on weekends. That’s why it appears so early on this itinerary.

If you spent too much time on photo shoots at the Mormon Row Historic District, there are pullouts for alternative parking on Teton Park Road as you approach the lake. Just make sure you’re parking completely off the road.

You’d think I wouldn’t need to say that, but I really do.

Stop 4: Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls is one of the most popular hikes in the park for good reason. The payoff is excellent views of Jenny Lake, Jackson Hole, and the 100-foot waterfall that you’re really here for.

There are a few ways to get there. You can walk around the southern lakeshore for a more moderate, longer hike, or use the lake boat shuttle to get across the lake and dramatically shorten your hike. It’s a difference of a single mile vs. nearly five miles.

I highly recommend booking tickets for the boat so that you have the energy for a combo Inspiration Point hike, as well. It makes Hidden Falls a family-friendly hike, too.

The west shore boat dock is on the west end of the parking lot for the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, but you’ll need to purchase tickets at the dock on the east side. Tickets for the Jenny Lake boat are available from the same parking lot.

You can pay for your ride the day of your trip at the dock and don’t need to make reservations ahead of time. Boats run every 10-15 minutes.

Alternative Stop 4: Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point

The shortest route to get to both the vista point and the falls is two miles, but it involves a short boat ride over Jenny Lake.

Once you’re across the lake, you’ll follow signs for the Hidden Falls, 100 feet of lovely cascading water. Another half a mile up and you’ll be at Inspiration Point, which is definitely worth the effort.

If there’s a hike that’s iconic in Grand Teton, it’s this one. That means Inspiration Point is one of the most popular Grand Teton National Park trails, so expect others to have the same idea.

Inspiration Point offers some of the best panoramic views in the park. You’ll be looking upon Jenny Lake and the valley below, and on a clear day, Cascade Canyon and the mountains of the Cathedral Group, the tallest in the Tetons.

Note: If you’re feeling ambitious, you can hike the full trail that starts at the Jenny Lake Loop Trail for a total of 5.8 miles. The trail is big on scenery either way.

Stop 5: Signal Mountain Lodge

Continue north along Teton Park Road to the Signal Mountain Lodge. If you didn’t pack snacks or want something a bit more substantial, there are several options for food at the lodge. That includes a pizza shop, which is always welcome after a day of hiking.

If you’re not planning a food stop, don’t leave before checking out the views around here. You should be able to see clearly across Jackson Lake.

Stop 6: Signal Mountain

If you have the time, I highly recommend a side trip to get to the top of Signal Mountain along Signal Mountain Summit Road. It’ll take you up to 45 minutes to make the round trip, so plan accordingly.

The summit of Signal Mountain is at 7,727 feet, so you’ll have some of the best views in the park from here.

We were unfortunately at Grand Teton during some smog and haze, but it was still invigorating to be up there. On a clear day, you could see the mountains of the Cathedral Group and Jackson Lake, and even all the way to Jackson Hole and Teton Village.

Stop 7: Jackson Lake Dam

Jackson Lake is impressive enough, but this overlook includes the added intrigue of a dam that has been here in some form since 1906. The original dam only lasted four years before the Bureau of Reclamation completed a new dam that flooded the area.

It was reinforced again in the 1980s to withstand any potential earthquakes in the region. It seems this work in progress is finally ready for showtime, so go ahead and enjoy the view.

Stop 8: Oxbow Bend

Return back from whence you came to get to your next stop, Oxbow Bend. The turnout here is a popular stop for wildlife spotting, so how long you spend here will depend on what you’re able to see.

Just note that wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk, so keep that in mind as you travel the park.

This is a well-photographed spot in the park, regardless, as you have the Snake River in front of you and Mount Moran beyond. In the right conditions, you’re able to see the mountain reflected in the river. We weren’t so lucky, but I’m rooting for you.

Stop 9: Willow Flats Overlook

Just west of Oxbow Bend is another easy stop, the Willow Flats Overlook. This is also known for its wildlife spotting. If you’re lucky, you might see some elk. If you’re very lucky, you could come across bears or even the wolves that are known to roam here.

This is just a lookout point, so you won’t be getting too close to any critters here.

Stop 10: Colter Bay Village

Colter Bay Village is a great stop for anyone looking for recreation on the water. Fishing, kayaking, and canoeing are all available here. It’s also a great base for hiking, guided horseback rides, and welcome amenities after a day of hitting the trails.

If you have the time and the energy for a dip, the swim beach in Colter Bay Village is a great, albeit chilly, place to do it. That’s Brian in the photo above, looking all sparkly as if he just left the set of Twilight.

To get there, you’ll drive past the Colter Bay Visitor Center until you hit a two-lane road. You’ll see the beach area along that road.

Grand Teton travelers here for a while may want to spend one of those days on the Hermitage Point Trail. This day hike is nearly 10 miles through meadows and wetlands to reach the peninsula of Hermitage Point. 

The 700 feet you’ll end up climbing on this one is spread out over a long distance, so it likely never feels too difficult.

Stop 11: Jackson Lake Lodge

If you’re not yet amazed by all you’ve seen today, return back to the Jackson Lake Lodge for cocktails — or mocktails — and a meal at the Blue Heron Lounge.

We hadn’t seen a moose on our adventures until we arrived at the lodge. There we were, hanging out and having beers at the end of a very busy day in Grand Teton, when we heard a ruckus outside on the main deck area.

The commotion was over a mama moose hanging out in the brush. I didn’t get the baby moose on camera — is it a mooselet? — but it arrived shortly after and was all kinds of adorable.

Note: The Jackson Lake Lodge was where we called it for a fairly active day in the park, but you can also continue on from here for a full loop back to Jackson. It really depends on where you’re spending the night.

For a full loop, an alternative is to continue east toward Moran along the scenic route from Oxbow Bend. That would make the most sense for travelers returning to Jackson. Let’s get into a few additional stops along that loop if you have the energy.

Optional Stop 12: Snake River Overlook

You’ll pass by the Elk Flats Ranch Turnout to get to your next scenic stop. This was the largest cattle ranch back in the 1900s. If that does something for you or you see any good wildlife, pull over.

You’ll also pass by the J.P. Cunningham Cabin, a relic of the homesteading era. As it’s likely late, I’d recommend continuing on. If you’re speedy and love historical sites, feel free to explore for a few minutes here.

The Snake River Overlook is likely more impressive. This is one of the most photographed spots in the park with excellent views of the Teton Range and Snake River, naturally. Nearby Deadmans Bar is a popular launch spot for float trips down the river.

Optional Stop 13: Schwabacher Landing 

An overlook near the parking lot here takes you to a great spot for beaver activity, especially if you make it around dusk. It’s also one of the park’s best reflection points.

I’m talking about the reflections you’ll get of the Tetons in the pond below, not the thinking you’ll do while you’re here.

Optional Stop 14: Glacier View Turnout

It’s not as spectacular as what you’ll see at Glacier National Park, but this quick stop gives a nice view of glacial activity nestled in the peaks of the Tetons.

Climate change has caused them to retreat quite a bit, so what you’ll see on your own visit will likely change between today and a few years from today.

If that doesn’t give you some FOMO about visiting the Tetons, I don’t know what would.

Optional Stop 15: Blacktail Ponds Overlook

This is the final scenic stop for folks returning to Jackson. Indulge in some time at this one and get your final glimpses of the park’s wetlands.

If it’s coming up on the evening, you may see some deer munching on the foliage here. That’s how the overlook gets its name.

More Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park

One day may be enough to hit the main attractions, but it only scratches the surface of Grand Teton’s hikes. With more time in the park, you can indulge in one of the park’s longer hiking options or just be more leisurely about the stops I’ve already described.

Here are some ideas for more than one day in Grand Teton National Park:

• Hike the Cascade Canyon Trail. Shorten this one to 9.4 miles round-trip with the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake. Despite its length, it’s a popular option in the park, so expect to see some hikers.
• Discover your favorite lake trail. Jenny Lake isn’t the only game in town. Phelps Lake, Leigh Lake, Jackson Lake, String Lake, and Lake Solitude all offer hikers that alpine lake experience.
• Visit the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center. If you’re already visiting Phelps Lake, this visitor center is a great way to get acquainted with the park’s history of conservation. There are a few exhibits here to that effect.
• Summit Static Peak Divide. This one is described as very strenuous by the park service, as you’re tackling 5,590 feet of elevation gain. You’ll get views of the Teton Range and Alaska Basin, along with panoramic views from shorter hikes in the park.
• Grab a slice at Leeks Marina. Enjoy another access point to Jackson Lake and a slice or two at Leeks Marina & Pizzeria just north of Colter Bay. This area was established in the late 1800s by cattle ranch and entrepreneur Stephen Leek.

Where to Stay in Grand Teton National Park

If you’d like to stay inside Grand Teton National Park, you’ll be booking all of your accommodations through the park’s accommodations website. Your choices will depend on where you’d like to stay within the park.

We stayed in a cottage at the Jackson Lake Lodge for one night and one night only. It was fantastic but very expensive.

I will say that this was the only lodge on our tour of the national parks in the region that felt like it might be almost worth the price. The views of Jackson Lake and the Tetons from many of the rooms at the property are indeed spectacular.

Additional options within the park include:

• Colter Bay Village, a more budget-friendly experience perfect for families,
• the more luxurious Jenny Lake Lodge,
• Gros Ventre Campground, the park’s largest campground,
• and the Headwaters Lodge & Cabins, which sits between Grand Teton and Yellowstone. You’ll be truly unplugged at the Headwaters. There’s no cell service or WiFi at the property.

If you’re on a budget, you’ll save money staying outside of the park. The town of Jackson is adorable and an easy drive into the park from the south. 

We stayed at the Antler Inn the night before our Grand Teton visit. We loved the walkability of this place, as it’s situated right in the center of town.

Want more options? Check out the map below for stays in Jackson:

Grand Teton doesn’t get as much love as it should.

National park and hiking fans know, though. This park is the best place to admire the Teton mountain range and catch wildlife without as much human interference on the park’s best trails.

It’s fairly common to see black bears in the park, by the way.

You can also take a driving trip through the park, stopping at some of the best vista points along it scenic drive.

The Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, Signal Mountain Summit Road, Antelope Flats Road, and Teton Park Road all offer excellent opportunities for photo-worthy turnouts.

I’m sure we’ll be back at some point to spend more quality time with this one. There’s a reason it’s such a favorite with photographers and adventurers. It’s a stunner!

Love the idea of a longer road trip? Check out these guides:

• Deadwood, South Dakota: Visit or Skip It?
• Top Getaways from Cheyenne, WY
• A Travel Guide to Lovely Fort Collins, CO
• Take a Trip to Laramie, Wyoming
• Things to Do (and Skip!) in Cheyenne, Wyoming

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