Grand Teton National Park has something for everyone. Hikers will love the long list of trails that head into the Teton mountain range. Photographers will love capturing sunrise at Mormon Row and Oxbow Bend. Families will love the easy-to-visit overlooks, crossing Jenny Lake by boat, and spotting moose and elk as you drive through the park. If you only have one day in Grand Teton National Park, we can show you how to combine all of these experiences into one memorable day.
This itinerary follows one efficient loop through the park, covering the highlights in a route we’ve tested ourselves: the historic barns of Mormon Row, the iconic mountain reflections at Schwabacher Landing and the Snake River Overlook, wildlife at Oxbow Bend, a scenic drive along Jenny Lake, and finally crossing the lake by boat to hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.
I’ll also share tips to avoid the crowds, which can be quite large from June through September, plus suggestions for modifying this itinerary. Let’s face it, a perfect day in Grand Teton looks very different for a hiker than for a family or a photographer.
Our Grand Teton Experience: We’ve visited Grand Teton National Park three times. The first two were part of larger road trips that also included Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, both in the summer. The third was a dedicated, week-long hiking trip to Grand Teton in September. Kara and I followed this exact itinerary on one of our summer visits. We’ve been to 56 of the 63 US national parks, and Grand Teton remains one of our favorites. All photos in this guide are our own.
One Day in Grand Teton: The Essentials
BEST MONTHS | May through September, when Teton Park Road and Moose Wilson Road are open and the Jenny Lake boat shuttle is running
MUST-SEE HIGHLIGHTS | Mormon Row, Schwabacher Landing, Snake River Overlook, Oxbow Bend, Jenny Lake & Inspiration Point
RECOMMENDED START TIME | Just before sunrise
ROUTE | One loop on Highway 191, Teton Park Road, and Jenny Lake Road (the Scenic Loop Drive)
TIMED ENTRY RESERVATION | Not required; a valid park pass is all you need
August 2026 Update: We refreshed this post with current 2026 information, including the Death Canyon Trailhead closure and other park construction, updated Jenny Lake Boating shuttle hours, added a third midday option for hiking into Cascade Canyon, and a few Jackson and Teton Village restaurant recommendations.
Can You See Grand Teton in One Day?
Yes, and compared to Yellowstone next door, Grand Teton actually rewards a tight one-day visit. Nearly every iconic sight sits along a single loop, not spread across five entrances, so one well-timed day gets you to Mormon Row, the mountain reflections at Schwabacher Landing and the Snake River Overlook, wildlife at Oxbow Bend, and the boat crossing to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.
What you won’t get in a day is the hiking. Grand Teton’s real depth is in its backcountry (Cascade Canyon, Death Canyon, the Paintbrush–Cascade Loop) and those trails deserve dedicated time, not a rushed hour squeezed between viewpoints. If hiking is the priority, see our suggestions for hikers below.
This itinerary works best from May through September, when Teton Park Road and Moose Wilson Road are open and the Jenny Lake boat shuttle is running. Outside that window, several trailheads and viewpoints become difficult or impossible to reach by car.
For a fuller rundown of the park’s top experiences beyond this one-day loop, see our guide to the Best Things to Do in Grand Teton ↓
18 Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
Get a more detailed list of the top experiences in Grand Teton National Park.One Day in Grand Teton National Park Itinerary
If you only have one day in Grand Teton National Park, I highly recommend getting an early start to maximize your time. How early? Plan to hit the road just before sunrise, if you can. I know rolling out of bed can be painful, but you will get a head start on the crowds and get to see the Tetons at its loveliest time of day…sunrise.
Below is a rough timeline for this itinerary. These times are taken from the loop that we did through Grand Teton National Park in mid-August (using the time stamp on my photos). I know that 6:30 am is a bit early for many people. You can start an hour or two later and still get to everything, but expect bigger crowds at many of these sights.
6:30 am: Mormon Row
7:30 am: Schwabacher Landing
8:30 am: Snake River Overlook
9:00 am: Oxbow Bend
9:45 am: Leigh Lake
11:15 am: Jenny Lake Overlook
Noon: Jackson or Teton Village
4:30 pm: Jenny Lake & Inspiration Point
Below is a map of the driving route, places to visit, and optional trailheads.
How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left corner of the map to see a list of the points of interest and to turn layers on/off. Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest.
To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
Sunrise/Early Morning: Mormon Row
Jackson → Mormon Row: ~30 min
Time at Mormon Row: ~30-45 min if photographing both barns
Mormon Row is one of the best sunrise photography locations in Grand Teton National Park.
If you want a prime tripod location, you must get here before sunrise. There are numerous companies that offer sunrise photography tours and they line up early. If you get here too late, you will be stuck on the fringes with a less than ideal view of these historic buildings.
If you have no desire to get here that early, you can still take some very nice photos after sunrise. The lighting is great all morning. Or, skip it all together and go right to Schwabacher Landing (a must see!).
There are two barns to visit, and photograph, if you are interested. There is the historic barn on Mormon Row and the T. A. Moulton Barn located on Gros Ventre Road, across Antelope Flats Road.
Mormon Row
TA Moulton Barn
Schwabacher Landing
Mormon Row → Schwabacher Landing: ~15 min
Time at Schwabacher Landing: ~30-45 min
From Mormon Row, drive back out to Highway 191 and head north. It takes 15 minutes to drive to Schwabacher Landing. The last part of the drive will be on a gravel road that is suitable for standard cars. This is an extremely popular spot in the morning so the crowds are unavoidable, unfortunately.
From Schwabacher Landing you get one of the most iconic views of Grand Teton National Park. If it is not windy, you will be able to capture the reflection of the Teton mountain range in the Snake River.
I took this photo on our mid-August visit.
You can either walk out to the first viewpoint and take your photos here. Or, walk the short trail to the end for slightly different views of the mountain range.
Snake River Overlook
Schwabacher Landing → Snake River Overlook: 5 miles, ~10 min
Time at Snake River Overlook: ~15 min
Continue north on Highway 191 for 5 miles (about 10 minutes) to the Snake River Overlook. This is a paved roadside pullout with just a short walk to the viewing platform: no trail, no hike, just park and walk a few steps to the railing.
From here, the Snake River winds through the valley floor with the Teton Range rising directly behind it, the same view Ansel Adams photographed here in 1942 while working for the United States government. Plan on 10 to 15 minutes here; it’s one of the quickest stops of the morning.
Snake River Overlook
Oxbow Bend
Snake River Overlook → Oxbow Bend: 13 miles, ~20 min
Time at Oxbow Bend: ~20-30 min
It is a 20 minute drive to get to the next destination, Oxbow Bend. On this drive you will pass through the Moran Entrance Station and pay the park fee. There could be a line now that it is mid-morning.
This is the place to get the iconic view of Mt. Moran’s reflection in the Snake River. It’s also a great place to see moose or elk, although we weren’t so lucky. For photographers, this is another popular sunrise photo spot.
If the main Oxbow Bend pullout is full, Cattleman’s Bridge Road, a small unmarked turnoff just before the main lot, offers a similar view of the river bend with far fewer people.
Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife.
Optional Detour: Signal Mountain
Added time & distance: Signal Mountain Road is 4.4 miles each way; 8.8 miles round trip, about 30 minutes of driving, plus 15-20 minutes at the two viewpoints. Plan on this adding 45 minutes to an hour to your day.
- Worth it if you want sweeping views over Jackson Lake and the valley without committing to a hike. This is the payoff without the effort.
- Skip it if you’re eager to hike, or want to get to the Jenny Lake shuttle sooner. That extra hour comes straight out of your afternoon.
After Oxbow Bend, you will turn left onto Teton Park Road and head south towards Jenny Lake.
You have the option to add on Signal Mountain at this point. I recommend it for those who want a scenic view of the park and have no plans to add a hike onto the day, other than the short hike to Inspiration Point.
There are two viewpoints on this drive: the view from the top of Signal Mountain and the view from the Jackson Lake Overlook.
Jackson Lake Overlook
View from the top of Signal Mountain
Signal Mountain Lodge, at the base of the mountain, has a couple of dining options, including the Trapper Grill. If you’re following this itinerary as written, though, you’ll pass through here mid-morning. It’s too early to make this your lunch stop. It’s a better fit if you’re starting your day later than our sunrise-first itinerary and want a sit-down lunch break here instead of driving to Jackson or Teton Village.
Jenny Lake Scenic Drive
Oxbow Bend → Jenny Lake Scenic Drive / Leigh Lake trailhead: ~20 min, not counting the Signal Mountain detour; Signal Mountain Road adds 4.4 miles/~15 min one-way if taken
Time at Leigh Lake: 1-1.5 hours for the 1.8-mile round trip, more if extending to 3.7 miles
Continue along Teton Park Road until you reach Jenny Lake Scenic Drive.
Jenny Lake Scenic Drive is a one-way road that follows along the eastern edge of Jenny Lake. There are several overlooks and trailheads located along this drive. The views from the road really aren’t that great since you are driving through the trees…you will have to stop at the overlooks for the best views.
The first viewpoint you will come to is the Cathedral Group Turnout, which gives you a decent view of the Tetons (but does not have the same wow factor as Schwabacher Landing or the Snake River Overlook).
If you want to get out and stretch your legs, you can walk the Leigh Lake trail. If you simply hike to Leigh Lake, it’s just 1.8 miles round trip. If you go farther, walking along the eastern shore of Leigh Lake, the hike becomes 3.7 miles round trip.
We loved this hike. The views across String Lake, especially with the reflections of the mountains, was beautiful. It also didn’t feel that busy, with just a few groups of hikers on the trail.
Continue along Jenny Lake Road and make sure you stop at the Jenny Lake Overlook for one of the best views of the lake.
Jenny Lake
Midday in Grand Teton National Park
Midday crowd levels on Jenny Lake and on the more popular trails are insane. Parking will spill out from the immense Jenny Lake parking lot onto Teton Park Road. Lines to board the Jenny Lake shuttle will be very very long. And good luck finding a spot at the trailhead for Taggart Lake or the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve.
So, we’re giving you three options on how to spend the middle part of the day.
Rather than joining the crowds, I recommend leaving Grand Teton National Park for a few hours. I know that sounds crazy but it actually works very well (options #1 and #2). For those who prefer to stay in the park, you can ride the boat shuttle now, which gives you time to hike into Cascade Canyon (option #3). Just be prepared for a line to board the shuttle.
Option #1: Ride the Aerial Tram in Teton Village
Jenny Lake Overlook → Teton Village: ~30-35 min via Moose-Wilson Road; this road has construction delays of up to 45 minutes from June 20-Sept 7, 2026, so this round trip could run meaningfully longer than usual this season. If Moose-Wilson Road is closed (it’s typically shut Nov 1 to mid-May), the only route is the long way through Jackson, adding real time.
Moose Wilson road starts near the Grand Teton National Park Headquarters and heads south towards Jackson. Along the way, it passes Phelps Lake, the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, and Teton Village. You have a good chance of spotting moose on this road.
We took this photo from Moose Wilson Road, midday, very close to Teton Park Road.
Even though you’re technically stepping outside the park, Teton Village is worth the detour. The Aerial Tram climbs 4,139 vertical feet in just 12 minutes, dropping you at the 10,450-foot summit of Rendezvous Mountain. From here, you’ll get a view of the Teton Range you won’t get anywhere else today, short of committing a full day to a serious summit hike.
You can ride the tram up and back down, or do what we did: hike down and catch a different lift back to the village.
From the summit, we hiked the downhill 2.5-mile Cirque Trail, dropping 1,355 feet of elevation to the Bridger Gondola. It’s steep and rocky in spots, with sweeping views the whole way down. Plan on 1.5 to 2 hours for the hike.
View from Rendezvous Peak
If you want to skip the hike, enjoy the view from the summit, then ride the gondola back down to the village.
This is also a good time to grab lunch, either at the top (Corbet’s Cabin, known for its waffles) or back in the village.
Option #2: Head into Jackson for Lunch
Jenny Lake Overlook → Jackson: ~30 min (already stated elsewhere in your post)
On our dedicated week-long hiking trip, we had a few days where we would hike in the morning, head back into town for lunch, then return to the park mid-afternoon for a shorter hike.
It worked well for avoiding the worst of the midday crowds, and Jackson has enough good lunch spots to make the drive worth it: Persephone’s Bakery or Miazga’s for a casual bite, Liberty Burger if you want something quick and kid-friendly, or Café Genevieve for a sit-down meal.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: While in town, pick up food for an optional picnic dinner next to Jenny Lake later today.
Option 3: Skip the Break — Jenny Lake, Inspiration Point, and Cascade Canyon
Jenny Lake Overlook → Jenny Lake Parking: 2 miles, 10 minutes
If you’d rather not leave the park at all, take the Jenny Lake shuttle now instead of later this afternoon. Hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, then keep going into Cascade Canyon. It’s a fantastic hike and one of the better spots in the park for wildlife.
Just watch the boat schedule for your return: for 2026, Jenny Lake Boating runs 7 am-7 pm during peak season (June 6-Sept 7) and a shorter 9 am- 5 pm in shoulder season (May 15-June 5, Sept 8-30), so plan your turnaround time in the canyon around whichever window applies to your visit.
Mid-to-Late Afternoon: Jenny Lake & Inspiration Point (If You Took a Midday Break)
Return to Jenny Lake for the 4:30 pm shuttle: boat crossing is 10-15 min each way; the Hidden Falls/Inspiration Point hike takes about 1.5 hours round trip per your existing text
If you chose Option 1 or 2 and left the park at midday, this is where your day picks back up.
Crossing Jenny Lake by shuttle and hiking up to Inspiration Point is one of the most popular things to do in Grand Teton National Park. It might sound strange leaving this until the end of the day, but we’ve done it and it’s so much better than joining the midday crowds.
Jenny Lake Boating’s hours vary by season. During peak season (June 6–September 7), the shuttle runs 7 am–7 pm. In the shoulder season (May 15–June 5 and September 8–30), hours are shorter, 9 am–5 pm. It’s worth checking before you plan on a 4:30pm start, since that timing only works during peak summer.
If you time your crossing for the end of the day in peak season, there will be very few people on board. Kara and I waited until 5:45 pm one August evening and shared the shuttle with just 2 other passengers and the driver. That was cutting it close, so we don’t recommend waiting quite that long unless you’re a fast hiker. Plan on getting started no later than 4:30pm.
Once across the lake, it’s a 2-mile round-trip hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, which takes most people about 90 minutes. This time of day, crowds are low and the lighting is great for photography across the lake.
Hidden Falls
Trail to Inspiration Point
The view from Inspiration Point late afternoon
If you’re doing well on time, you can continue into Cascade Canyon. Realistically, starting this late you won’t get far in. To make real progress into the canyon, you’d need to start before 4:30 pm, hike at a good pace, and visit in summer, when there’s still plenty of daylight and the shuttle runs until 7 pm.
Moose are frequently spotted here, and you might not have to go far; we’ve seen them right on the trail.
We took this photo of Cascade Canyon in late-September
Moose on the trail in Cascade Canyon
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Confirm the time of the last shuttle with Jenny Lake Boating. If you miss it, you’re not stranded. It’s a flat 2.4-mile walk around the lake back to the parking lot, so running a little late isn’t the end of the world.
Once you return to visitor center side of the lake, there are several benches along the walking trail. Kara and I brought a picnic dinner and sat here and enjoyed the view.
Optional: 4:30 pm: Go for a Hike Instead of Visiting Jenny Lake
Jenny Lake and Inspiration Point get a lot of hype, but I think that there are short hikes that are just as good, or maybe even better, than Jenny Lake.
Taggart and Bradley Lakes
This is an extremely popular hike but late in the day the trail will be mostly empty. We hiked to Taggart Lake after our visit to Jenny Lake and Inspiration Point, finishing this hike at sunset.
Taggart Lake
If you hike to both Taggart and Bradley Lakes, the entire hike is 5.5 miles round trip and takes 2 to 3 hours. If you only go to Taggart Lake it is a 3-mile round-trip hike.
Phelps Lake Overlook & Death Canyon
Note: For the 2026 season, the Death Canyon Road and Trailhead are closed for construction, with no reopening expected until June 2027, so this hike isn’t an option right now. We’re leaving the description here since it’s one of our favorites and worth doing once the road reopens.
For one of the best lake views in all of Grand Teton National Park, the short, sweet hike to the Phelps Lake Overlook is worth putting on your list once accessible again. At just 2 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain, it’s a great hike for all ages and ability levels.
Phelps Lake Overlook
From the Phelps Lake Overlook, you can continue into Death Canyon, a great place to spot moose and bear. If you add this on, you’ll hike between 4 and 7 miles round trip depending on when you turn around.
How to Hike Death Canyon to the Static Peak Divide | Grand Teton National Park
Step-by-step trail guide for the tough but amazing hike to Static Peak Divide.How to Modify This Itinerary
One Day in Grand Teton: For Hikers
If you are a hiker, I recommend ignoring the itinerary above and choosing one of many great hikes in Grand Teton National Park.
Grand Teton is one of our favorite national parks for hiking…not only are the trails a blast but there is a very good chance that you will spot wildlife along the way.
Plan on starting first thing in the morning. Getting a parking space at the trailhead is more important than visiting Mormon Row or the overlooks (you can do that at the end of the day). By mid-morning, most parking lots will be filled.
We have a guide to 15 great hikes to do in Grand Teton which I recommend reading. This also has links to more detailed hiking posts and you can purchase an eBook to take with you on your trip ↓
Here are a few hiking suggestions:
Paintbrush Canyon – Cascade Canyon Loop. This is a long, tough hike but it is our favorite in Grand Teton. In just one hike, you can visit a handful of the park’s top spots: Jenny Lake, Inspiration Point, Lake Solitude, Cascade Canyon, and Paintbrush Canyon. Throw in panoramic views across the Teton mountain range and a few moose, and you have an unforgettable hike in Grand Teton National Park.
This hike is a big undertaking. At 20 miles, with over 4,000 feet of elevation gain, it’s a massive hike. Many people do this as a 2 or 3-day backpacking trip, but if you are fit and fast, the Paintbrush Canyon – Cascade Canyon Loop can be done as a day hike.
Overlooking Lake Solitude on the Paintbrush Canyon – Cascade Canyon loop.
Death Canyon + Static Peak Divide. At 16 miles, this hike is little more manageable than Paintbrush and Cascade Canyons, but it is still a challenging hike with a lot of elevation gain. On this hike, you get an awesome view over Phelps Lake, panoramic views of the park, and a very good chance to spot wildlife in Death Canyon.
Static Peak Divide
Death Canyon. Shorten the above hike by skipping the massive climb up the Static Peak Divide. You still get the amazing view over Phelps Lake and a high chance to spot a moose or bear. This canyon gets far fewer hikers than Cascade Canyon and there is a chance you could have it all to yourself. This hike is 8 miles round trip.
Cascade Canyon to Solitude Lake. Ride the Jenny Lake boat shuttle, hike past Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, and then hike up Cascade Canyon to the Forks of Cascade Canyon. Take the trail to the right and continue on the moderate, uphill trail until you reach Lake Solitude. This hike is 15 miles round trip and is a shorter version of the Paintbrush Canyon – Cascade Canyon loop.
Spend the remainder of your day driving Scenic Loop Drive and visiting the viewpoints.
One Day in Grand Teton: For Photographers
If you are a photographer, plan on rolling out of bed before sunrise. Mormon Row is one of the most popular sunrise photography spots, but Schwabacher Landing and Oxbow Bend are also very popular. Unfortunately, with one day in Grand Teton National Park, you will only be able to catch one of these at sunrise.
Start at your chosen sunrise destination and then visit the other overlooks and viewpoints we mention.
If you also want to capture wildlife, they are most active early and late in the day. We have spotted moose in Cascade Canyon and Death Canyon.
I also recommend visiting Mangelsen Images of Nature in Jackson if you want to see some spectacular photos of Grand Teton National Park.
One Day in Grand Teton: For Families
Young kids are not going to want to roll out of bed early to take a photo of a barn or a bunch of viewpoints. However, as a parent, you might want to see some of these places for yourself.
The itinerary above will work great for families, with a few minor changes.
Keep your kids happy and get a slightly later start. Consider skipping a few of the overlooks that we list in the morning, choosing to the visit the ones that look the most interesting. Schwabacher Landing is nice because your kids can get out and walk the trails next to the Snake River.
Once on Jenny Lake Road, the Leigh Lake hike is easy and a very nice hike for all ages.
Midday, I recommend making the detour to Teton Village. Riding the gondola is a unique thing to do here and even kids will love the spectacular view from Rendezvous Peak. You can also hike downhill to the Bridger Gondola and ride this back into the village.
End with the boat trip across Jenny Lake and the hike to Inspiration Point.
View from the Aerial Tram and Rendezvous Peak
Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park
We’ve visited Grand Teton National Park three times, twice as part of longer western road trips that also included Yellowstone and Glacier, both in summer, and once on a dedicated, week-long hiking trip in September.
On our August visit, the park was busy, but it’s easy to avoid the worst of the crowds if you don’t mind taking a break in the middle of the day. The best times to be out and about are between 6:30 am and 11 am, and again from 5 pm to 9 pm.
Our September trip was both to catch the fall colors and to hike some of the longer trails. The end of September is a gorgeous time to be here. Daily temperatures were in the 60s and 70s with mostly sunny skies, with a brief cool-down and some rain in Jackson Hole, and snow up on the mountain peaks. For fall colors, good weather, and a strong chance of wildlife sightings, the very end of September is hard to beat.
June, July, and August are the busiest months in the park overall. Expect big crowds on the hiking trails, difficulty finding a parking space midday, and sold-out lodges inside the park. The best time for wildlife sightings, any time of year, is at dawn and dusk.
- Spring (mid-May to early June): Roads are just reopening after winter, snow is still possible at elevation, and crowds are light, but some trails, facilities, and the shuttle service may not be running yet.
- Summer (June to August): Peak season. All roads and facilities are open, days are warm, and crowds are at their heaviest, especially midday. Book lodging well in advance.
- Fall (September to October): Cooler, sunnier days, thinning crowds, and some of the best wildlife viewing of the year, plus fall color starting in late September. The best time to see the park ablaze in color is the end of September into very early October.
- Winter (November to mid-May): Teton Park Road, Moose Wilson Road, and the road to the summit of Signal Mountain are all closed to vehicles. Winter access is limited to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on unplowed roads, and most visitor services are closed.
Grand Teton National Park appears in our Best US National Parks Month-By-Month series as a great park to visit in June, August, and September.
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How to Get to Grand Teton National Park
The closest airport is Jackson Hole Airport, which is located in the park. In fact, Jackson Hole Airport is the only commercial airport located within a national park.
Other nearby airports include Idaho Falls Regional Airport (94 miles, 2 hour drive) and Salt Lake City International Airport (280 miles, 4.75 hour drive).
On our visits to Grand Teton, we’ve flown into Salt Lake City and made the longer drive. We found direct flights for less than flying into Jackson or Idaho Falls, which made the extra drive time worth it for us.
Where to Stay
Inside Grand Teton National Park
There are numerous lodges and campgrounds available inside of the park. Click here to learn more about your options.
Teton Village at Jackson Hole
Ski resort by winter, outdoor playground by summer. This resort offers hotels and restaurants, plus gondolas, chair lifts, and a cable car that will whisk you up to Rendezvous Peak for stunning views over the Tetons. If you like the idea of staying in a resort town just outside of the park, this is a great place to consider.
Jackson
From Jackson, it takes just 15 minutes to drive to Moose (the southern end of Grand Teton National Park) and 30 minutes to drive to Jenny Lake. With a large number of accommodations and restaurants, this is a great place to base yourself for visiting the park.
This is where we stay when we visit Grand Teton National Park.
Wyoming Inn at Jackson Hole. This is one of the highest rated hotels in Jackson and our favorite hotel. It is not located in the city center, so you will have to drive to the town square and park your car if you want to visit the heart of Jackson. But we loved the spacious room, excellent Wi-Fi, and comfy beds.
The Lodge at Jackson Hole. This hotel is located next door to the Wyoming Inn, mentioned above. We stayed here on our most recent visit. We had a great stay…the room was clean, very quiet, and comfortable. We liked the Wyoming Inn a little bit better but we wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again, especially since prices are a little lower. To get into the heart of Jackson, it is a short drive or a 20-minute walk.
Hotel Jackson. This boutique hotel looks amazing. Just five minutes from the town square, rooms are beautifully decorated. All rooms have a gas fireplace and the hotel has two onsite restaurants and a hot tub.
Cowboy Village Resort. On our first visit to Grand Teton National Park, this is where Tim and I stayed. Western-style cabins come equipped with a private bathroom and a kitchenette.
The Wort Hotel. If you want an upscale experience in the city center of Jackson, the Wort Hotel gets great reviews.
Jackson Square
Practical Information
Entry Fee for Grand Teton National Park: $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days; non-US residents 16 years or older pay an additional $100 fee
Hours: Grand Teton National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. For opening hours of the visitor centers and current conditions, and for updated information about potential road, trail, and park closures, click here.
Grand Teton App: Before you go, download the Grand Teton National Park app, to get updates on road closures, trail status, and services throughout the park.
Plan Your Trip to Grand Teton National Park
- Want more things to do beyond this one-day loop? → Our guide to the 15 Best Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park covers the park’s top experiences in more depth.
- Want to spend more time hiking? → Our guide to 15 Epic Hikes in Grand Teton National Park has trail-by-trail details and a printable trail guide.
- Planning your whole trip to the park? → Our Ultimate Grand Teton National Park Travel Guide covers lodging, itineraries, and more.
- Adding Yellowstone to your trip? → Our Perfect Yellowstone & Grand Teton Itinerary for First-Timers combines both parks into one seamless trip.
- Only have a day to spare for Yellowstone too? → Our Yellowstone Day Trip from Jackson Hole & Grand Teton itinerary covers how to see Yellowstone’s highlights in a single long day.
- Want an even bigger road trip? → Our Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks: 10 Day Road Trip Itinerary links all three parks together.
- Planning to visit more national parks? → Our Guide to the 63 US National Parks covers all of them.
If you have any questions about how to spend one day in Grand Teton National Park, let us know in the comment section below.
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If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips.
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US National Park Itineraries & Road Trip Ideas
National Park Itineraries The national parks are best experienced as a road trip and with 56 parks visited between us, we’ve done a lot of them. Whether you’re dreaming of a two-week American Southwest loop, a classic Yellowstone and Grand Teton combo, or a deep dive into Utah’s Mighty 5, we’ve put together detailed itineraries […]
Yellowstone, Devils Tower, and Mount Rushmore: 10 Day Road Trip Itinerary
With 10 days, you can road trip from Grand Teton and Yellowstone all the way to Mount Rushmore, adding on Devils Tower, Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, and Custer State Park along the way. That’s four national parks, two national monuments, one incredible state park, and some of the best scenic drives in […]
23 Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a wonderland of geothermal activity, dramatic landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Steam hisses from the ground beside wooden boardwalks, bison bring traffic to a standstill on the park roads, and technicolor hot springs amaze even the most seasoned travelers. In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Yellowstone National […]
Yellowstone Itinerary: How to Spend 1 to 5 Days in Yellowstone
Planning a Yellowstone itinerary can be challenging. The park is enormous, drive times are long, and wildlife sightings and traffic jams can throw even the best-planned day off schedule. In this guide, we provide Yellowstone itineraries for 1 to 5 days, with the sights grouped into logical driving routes to help you make the most […]
12 Amazing National Parks for Your Next Family Adventure
We’ve visited 56 of the 63 U.S. national parks and almost every single one would make a fantastic family destination. With 63 parks to choose from, the options can feel overwhelming. After years of exploring the national parks, we’ve narrowed it down to 12 that hit the sweet spot for families. These parks are easy […]
US National Parks List: All 63 Parks, Map & Free Printable Checklist
There are 63 national parks in the United States, and we’ve visited 56 of them, from the remote wilderness of Denali to the coral reefs of the Virgin Islands. We’re a family of avid hikers who have spent over a decade exploring these parks, from multi-day backcountry trips to scenic drives with kids in tow. […]
20 Fun, Short Hikes in the US National Parks
One of the best ways to experience the national parks is from a hiking trail. Hike to amazing viewpoints, deep into the forests, through scenic canyons, and to hidden lakes and waterfalls. Along the way, you have a better chance of spotting wildlife and potentially leaving the crowds behind. Here are 20 fun, short hikes […]
Yellowstone Day Trip from Jackson Hole & Grand Teton: Our Itinerary
A Yellowstone day trip from Jackson Hole or Grand Teton National Park is a long day, but with an early start and a well-planned route, you can see many of Yellowstone’s most iconic sights. On this itinerary, you’ll drive Yellowstone’s Lower Loop, visiting Hayden Valley, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Grand Prismatic Spring, Old […]
Exactly How to Visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is a 24-mile, 1,200-foot-deep canyon carved by the Yellowstone River, with two waterfall, Upper Falls and the much larger, more famous Lower Fall, dropping into it. It’s one of the top attractions in Yellowstone National Park, with a series of overlooks along the North Rim, South Rim, and Brink […]
Our 15 Favorite US National Parks: A Few May Surprise You
Stretching from the South Pacific, across the United States and into the Caribbean, are 63 national parks. These national treasures are filled with scenic drives, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, wildlife, historic sites, and endless opportunities for adventure. In this guide, we cover 15 of the best national parks in the USA and what […]
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