I can’t say enough great things about our trip to Grand Teton National Park - we spent 4 full days exploring the park, but you could definitely do it in 3. I wouldn’t try to shorten it anymore than that or you are going to miss some very worthy highlights. The best part is that there is something for everyone - hiking, biking, swimming, and kayaking. Plus plenty of great food!
Best Day Hikes:
Taggart Lake & Bradley Lake - This is either a 4 mile (Taggart Lake Only) or 6.5 mile (with Bradley Lake add-on) loop that is supposedly one of the newer trails in the park. We’d recommend a clockwise travel, starting with woodsy mountain views working towards relaxation on the lake. The addition of Bradley lake adds more elevation to your climb but provides stunning views of Bradley Lake with the Teton Range in the background and an overlook of Taggart Lake. Take snacks on your hike and enjoy a picnic (and maybe a swim) along one many of the large flat rocks along the edge of Taggart Lake. The parking lot is pretty small, but there is ample parking along the road, so you don’t have to worry about getting there too early to get a spot. A lot of visitors just seemed to do the short, flatter hike on the east side to the lake because it’s an easier/wider trail and more family friendly, but you’re missing some stellar views. Plan to use just over a half day to enjoy the full loop.
Jenny Lake - Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point - There are many ways to hike this trail - ranging from the shortest of a boat ride two ways plus 2 mile hike, medium distance of 6 mile out and back, or full lake 9 mile loop. No matter which you choose, get there early as this parking lot fills up by 9am, which could add a mile walk to the trail itself. We arrived around 8 to take the ferry across the lake and only had to wait about 15 minutes. We opted to ferry across the lake, then hike the 2 mile out and back to Hidden Falls/Inspiration point plus an additional 2 miles back to the South Jenny Lake Lot to enjoy the lake. It was the perfect half day adventure. It was $10 per person for the one-way ferry across the lake. With no services on the Falls/Point side of the lake, be sure to bring plenty of snacks and water on your hike. There aren’t many great places to swim along the short side of the loop - so drive around to the North Side of Jenny Lake or String Lake to enjoy the water.
Best View Points and Photo Ops:
Schwabacher’s Landing - Just off Highway 191, there is a small road down a hill to parking lot where Schwabacher’s Landing is noted. It’s just a small sign, so you have to be on the lookout to notice it. Once you park, it is about a 0.5 mile walk along the river bank where you can take a series of photos where the Teton Mountain Range is reflecting in the water. We were there around 3pm on a sunny day and able to get a wonderful reflection. You only need about 30 minutes for the stop. (p.s. this is also one of the few parking lots with a bathroom in it)
Snake River Overlook - Another stop off of Highway 191, this is one of the more famous overlooks because of paintings done from this view. Mornings are best to enjoy this overlook, so the sun is behind you to light the mountains. We stopped in the late afternoon, which afforded us great views but terrible pictures.
Mormon Row (T.A. Morton Barn & Others) - One of the most famous photo op’s at Grand Teton, these barns are a sight to see. Wake up before sunrise to head to these barns and be one with the professional photographers. We captured some stunning images with just our iPhones. The road to see the barns runs east/west, so be sure to travel both directions in order to enjoy the variety of styles and views there are to offer.
Jenny Lake Overlook off of the Jenny Lake Scenic Loop Drive - Take the one-way drive from north to south along Jenny Lake to enjoy many more lookout points along the north side of the lake. There are a few small areas to park, where you can do a short hike or even go down to swim in the lake.
Best Other Activities::
Kayaking on Jackson Lake - Rent Kayaks or a Canoe at the Colter Bay Marina. Get there around 7:30 am, as they open at 8 and there is always a line. We were able to get kayaks right away. We had gone around noon the day before, but they were already booked up for the day. We’d recommend a 3-hour rental, to be able to go around all the major islands, explore a few of the islands and the bird sanctuary.
Biking the Grand Loop from Teton Village to Jackson - There are miles of paved bike trails around the park, which give you the opportunity to take in more of the landscape. We biked from Teton Village Sports to Hoback Sports in Jackson, going north through Moose (and seeing 3 moose), along Highway 191, stopping at the Art Museum, before returning to Jackson. Our rental included a bus ticket from Jackson back to Teton Village, so we only biked around 22 miles total. Read more in my next article about our biking adventure.
Swimming at String Lake - This is the only lake that we found in the park with sandy beaches, so if you’re looking for a family friendly day on the water, it’s perfect. The rest of the lakes are beautifully clear with rock bottoms, but we found them to be quite slippery. The parking lot for this lake fills early and seems to stay full all day, so you may have some trouble finding a spot (and parking on the road in this area warrants a ticket).
Best Restaurants:
Pearl Street Bagels - AMAZING bagels! And coffee. Truly a New York style. They have a bounty of flavors, spreads, and toppings to try, so you can go back every morning that you are in Jackson.
Hand Fire Pizza - Literally the best pizza that I’ve ever had. Please build one in my city! Order the “Burrata Be Kiddin’ Me” or “Chew-BACA” for a non-traditional pizza surprise. If you’re looking for a truly unique craft cocktail, try the Mint Condition.
Colter Bay Restaurant - Now you may be surprised I’m recommending the restaurant at Jackson Lake run by the Parks, but this is the BEST breakfast burrito I’ve ever had. It had TATER TOTS IN THE BURRITO. And they were crunchy. Fuel up on this breakfast burrito while you wait in line for your kayaks at the Colter Bay Marina for the best morning of your life.
The Merry Piglets Mexican Grill - Located in Jackson, this is a great stop for a margarita and street tacos. Plus, never ending chips - so when you’re hungry at dinnertime, you know this is a wonderful appetizer (where the guac is extra ;-)
Alpenhof Bistro - Located in Teton Village, this Swiss/German style restaurants boasts the most fabulous breakfast croissant you may ever have. Load it up with eggs, veggies, bacon, and cheese to get plenty of fuel before a day of activities.
Mangy Moose Steakhouse & Saloon - Located in Teton Village, this has a great pub/restaurant atmosphere. I’d definitely recommend the Buffalo Filet - which is actually bison - and the truffle fries.
