Heading to Wyoming soon and wondering what to do in a day at Grand Teton National Park? You’ve come to the right place!
Grand Teton may be smaller compared to its world-famous neighbor, Yellowstone, but it’s undeniably stunning and offers a rich experience that you won’t want to miss. If you’re visiting the area, it would be a shame not to explore both national parks.
In this article, I will tell you exactly how to spend 1 day in Grand Teton and all the places you can see in 24 hours.
Please note that this is a full day and you will need to start early to see everything.
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Your Detailed Grand Teton National Park 1-Day Itinerary
For this itinerary, I will assume that you are driving from Yellowstone National Park but if that’s not the case and you are staying in Jackson Hole, it works as well, you just need to start with stop 9 and take it from there.
It’s a loop so it won’t be an issue.
Also, I would recommend starting as early as possible. If you can start before 8AM that would be ideal.
Stop 1: Jackson Lake Overlook
As you drive down from Yellowstone, your first stop will be Jackson Lake Overlook.
This spot is located on the side of the road and is just a quick stop.
It offers breathtaking views of Jackson Lake with the towering Teton Range as a backdrop. The morning light enhances the reflection of the peaks in the lake, making it a perfect spot for photography. Take a moment to breathe in the crisp mountain air and soak in the serene landscape.
Stop 2: Colter Bay Village
Next, head to Colter Bay Village, which is just a short drive away.
Here, you can take a stroll along the lakeshore or explore the Colter Bay Visitor Center.
The center provides insightful exhibits about the park’s natural and cultural history.
You can also get your national park stamp here and meet the rangers.
I highly recommend talking with the rangers since they know a lot about the national park and can give you more information.
PRO TIP: Make sure to request the newspaper of the park with the ranger-led activities to see if you can attend one of them. They are always great!
If you’re up for a short walk, the Lakeshore Trail is an easy 2-mile loop with more great views of the Tetons. It only takes 50 minutes to complete but don’t forget that you will be walking more today so don’t overdo it if you are not an avid hiker.
Tip: This is a good spot to grab a quick breakfast or coffee at the cafe in the village before continuing because there isn’t much between here and Jenny Lake.
You can then head back to your car and keep driving. After 10 minutes, take a right to take the Teton Loop.
We will be driving it counter-clock wise because that provides more scenic views.
PRO TIP: From there, you are not far from Oxbow Bend which is one of the best photo spots in Grand Teton. If you have 20 minutes to spare and don’t mind a small detour, you can head there now to take photos.
It’s very pretty in the morning and there are higher chances of seeing the wildlife.
No matter what, you will see it at the end of the day but morning and evening offer different experiences so I highly recommend going there twice.
Stop 3: Jackson Lake Dam
Your next stop will be Jackson Lake Dam. This site offers a different perspective of the lake and mountains.
The dam itself is an engineering marvel, and from here, you can watch the Snake River flow out of Jackson Lake.
It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy the sound of the water and the views of the surrounding peaks.
This is just a quick photo spot so you won’t stay long but it’s a nice place to check out.
Stop 4: Mount Moran Turnout
As you drive south along the Teton Park Road, make a quick stop at the Mount Moran Turnout. This viewpoint offers a fantastic view of Mount Moran, one of the park’s most iconic peaks.
The mountain’s distinct shape and the surrounding scenery make this a great photo op.
Stop 5: Jenny Lake Overlook
Your next stop is the Jenny Lake Overlook. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of Jenny Lake, one of the park’s most popular and picturesque spots. The overlook provides a great vantage point to admire the lake’s deep blue waters framed by the towering Tetons.
Tip: This is another ideal spot for photography, especially in the morning when the light is soft.
Stop 6: Jenny Lake
After taking in the views from the overlook, head down to Jenny Lake itself. This area is the heart of Grand Teton National Park, offering numerous activities like boating, hiking, or simply relaxing by the shore.
It’s a very popular spot and the parking lot gets full very early on so if you can get there before 10AM that would be ideal.
From the parking lot, you can walk to the visitor centre and shop. It’s also a good place to talk to the park rangers, go to the toilet and grab some snacks or drinks if you want some.
From there, you’ll head to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.
There are three options:
- Walk from Jenny Lake to Inspiration Point and then around the lake. This will take around 4 hours
- Walk from Jenny Lake to Inspiration Point and take the boat back to the visitor centre. This is a 2h30 walk and you can then take the shuttle boat (one-way) on the way back. It costs $12 and you’ll pay once you arrive.
- Take the shuttle boat there and back and walk to Inspiration point. In this case, the return ticket for the boat is $20 and it will be a 1 hour walk.
Please note that all options are good, it just depends on your budget, time available and how long you want to walk.
In my opinion, the best option is to walk from Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point and take the boat back. This way you get the best of both worlds and the walk around Jenny Lake is very scenic.
PRO TIP: Make sure to carry bear spray with you.
Stop 7: Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
Whether you choose to walk around the lake or take the boat, you will get on the other side of the lake and can then start the trail to Hidden Falls. It’s about 1.3 miles one way and offers stunning views of the waterfall.
From there, you can continue your hike up to Inspiration Point for an awe-inspiring view of the lake and valley below.
It truly is stunning and well worth the extra few steps!
Tip: The trail can be crowded, especially in the summer, so start early to avoid the rush. I also recommend wearing hiking shoes.
Stop 8: Teton Glacier Turnout
After your hike, make your way back to Jenny Lake and go back to your car. Exit the car park and take a right to drive down south. After 7 minutes you’ll reach the Teton Glacier Turnout.
This viewpoint offers a close-up view of the Teton Glacier, the only true remaining glacier in the park. It’s a stark reminder of the park’s glacial history and the ongoing changes in our climate.
Tip: Bring binoculars for a better view of the glacier.
Stop 9: Mormon Row
Next, head to Mormon Row. It should take around 15 minutes to drive there.
It’s a historic district known for its iconic barns set against the backdrop of the Tetons. The most famous of these is the Moulton Barn, which is one of the most photographed barns in the world. The area provides a glimpse into the early settlement history of the region.
It was built in the 19th century by Mormon homesteaders that were coming from Salt Lake City.
Today, the national park service is putting a lot of effort into renovating the barns and houses so you can see what it used to look like.
Please note that there are two sides to Mormon Row. You can park on either side but make sure to visit both since they are both interesting.
Stop 10: Schwabacher’s Landing
From Mormon Row, drive north on the loop until you reach the turn to Schwabacher’s Landing.
This will take you on a dirt road so be ready for that but it’s well worth it.
It’s a lesser known spot in Grand Teton so it’s unusually not that busy.
It’s located along the Snake River and offers beautiful views of the Teton Range. The calm waters of the river provide a mirror-like reflection of the mountains, creating a scene straight out of a postcard.
Tip: This is a prime location for wildlife viewing, especially at dawn or dusk.
Stop 11: Snake River Overlook
Continue your drive to the Snake River Overlook, a site made famous by Ansel Adams’ iconic photograph.
From here, you’ll get a sweeping view of the Snake River winding through the valley with the Tetons rising majestically in the background.
TIP: Make sure to look at Ansel Adams’ photo beforehand so you can see the difference between now and then.
Stop 12: Cunningham Cabin Historic Site
Once you’re done, keep driving for 10 minutes until you reach the Cunningham Cabin Historic Site.
This well-preserved homestead was built in the 1880s and offers a glimpse into the life of early settlers in the area.
The cabin is set against a beautiful backdrop of the mountains, making it both a historical and scenic stop.
Tip: The area around the cabin is a good place to spot wildlife, so keep an eye out.
Stop 13: Oxbow Bend
From the cabin, drive up north to the last stop of the day and boy, it’s a good one!
On the side of the road, you’ll find a small parking lot with views of Oxbow Bend.
This is one of the most photographed spots in Grand Teton National Park and you will love it!
The calm waters of the Snake River create a stunning reflection of Mount Moran, especially during the golden hour just before sunset.
You will love looking at the water and the island in the middle. It’s also a great place to see the wildlife.
It’s the perfect way to cap off your day in the park.
Map of this 1-day Itinerary for Grand Teton National Park
How to Get to Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming, just south of Yellowstone National Park. The closest airport is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), which is conveniently located near the park.
You can access Grand Teton from Jackson Hole or from Yellowstone National Park.
How to Get Around Grand Teton National Park
The best way to get around Grand Teton National Park is by car. The park’s main roads, including Teton Park Road and the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, are well-maintained and offers easy access to the park’s major sights.
Accommodation in Grand Teton National Park
There are several lodging options within the park, including campgrounds, cabins, and lodges. Colter Bay Village, Jenny Lake Lodge, and Jackson Lake Lodge are popular choices but they are pretty expensive. If you prefer staying outside the park, the town of Jackson offers a range of accommodations, from budget motels to luxury resorts.
Tip: Book your accommodations well in advance, especially during the peak summer season, as they fill up quickly.
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