Grand Teton National Park Guide
Snow-covered peaks, lakeside views, wildlife, and memorable trails made Grand Teton National Park a rewarding continuation of our Yellowstone adventure. Enjoy the scenery from a shoreline bench, explore by car, or spend a day hiking, choosing experiences that fit your interests and comfort level.
We visited in June 2018 while celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary. Our trip included Jackson Lake, scenic stops along the Snake River, moose sightings, and a hike around Jenny Lake, which started with a little encouragement from fellow visitors.
This guide shares our firsthand experiences and practical planning tips, along with nearby adventures we enjoyed while staying in Jackson.
Jackson Lake and Our First Views of the Tetons
Our first stop after leaving Yellowstone was Jackson Lake. We explored part of the shoreline and drove into Colter Bay Village, taking time to enjoy the views of the snow-covered Teton Range.
We continued along the Snake River, stopping here and there to get out, explore, and photograph the scenery. The lake and river offered different perspectives on the mountains and plenty of reasons to slow down.
You do not have to start with a long hike to appreciate Grand Teton. For us, these first stops were a memorable introduction to the park, simply by leaving time to pause and look around.
Staying in Jackson and Choosing More Time Outdoors
We checked into Wyoming Inn at Jackson Hole, which we loved and used as our base for exploring the area.
I asked my wife whether she wanted to head into downtown Jackson to see the elk antler arches and walk around. After spending our days outdoors in Yellowstone, she preferred to keep exploring nature rather than spend time in town.
That choice led us to Wilson and Teton Village, then on a scenic drive along Moose Wilson Road. Staying in Jackson gave us a comfortable place to return to while leaving room for adventures beyond the hotel.
Nearby Adventure: Riding the Aerial Tram from Teton Village
At Teton Village, we stopped for something to eat and bought tickets for the aerial tram up Rendezvous Mountain. This nearby experience gave us a different perspective on our Grand Teton trip.
The climb was fast, but what stayed with us most was seeing the sheer rock cliffs beneath and around us as the tram ascended. At the top, spent our time enjoying the mountain views before riding back down to Teton Village.
For current seasonal schedules, tickets, and operating information, visit the official Jackson Hole aerial tram website.
Moose Sightings Along Moose Wilson Road
During our June 2018 visit, part of Moose Wilson Road was unpaved and rough in places, though manageable in our rental pickup truck. The scenic drive became even more memorable when we spotted a moose beside the road. We parked and spent time watching and photographing it as it moved through the fields.
After visiting Jenny Lake, we returned along the same scenic route. Near the junction with Highway 22, we spotted another moose wading and feeding in the water across the highway. Seeing moose twice in one day made the road’s name feel especially fitting.
Those sightings were highlights of our visit, rather than something we could have scheduled. Leave room for unexpected discoveries, and check current road conditions and park wildlife guidance before setting out.
Jenny Lake: Finding the Confidence to Explore Farther
Jenny Lake was one of our main destinations. On our first visit, we stopped at the visitor center, walked along the shoreline, and sat on benches enjoying the lake with the mountains rising behind it.
We hoped to hike around the lake but weren’t sure the distance would be too much for us. My wife asked a small group of college-age women who were finishing the hike about their experience. They had enjoyed it and encouraged us to give it a try.
That brief conversation helped us feel more confident. We returned the next day prepared with water, snacks, layers, and bear spray, and completed the hike around Jenny Lake with a side trip to Hidden Falls. We did not hike to Inspiration Point.
The hike became a highlight of our anniversary trip, with changing lake views, quieter stretches of trail, wildlife sightings, and a crossing near String Lake. For us, it was a reminder that preparation and a little encouragement can open the door to a memorable adventure.
Read our full Jenny Lake hiking story for more about the trail, our Hidden Falls side trip, wildlife sightings, and practical tips for planning your hike.
Planning a Grand Teton Visit That Fits You
Our visit combined scenic drives, shoreline stops, wildlife watching, a nearby tram ride, and a longer hike. That variety let us enjoy the area in different ways without making every outing a major physical challenge.
Choose a few priorities and leave room between them. Jackson Lake and Jenny Lake gave us places to pause and enjoy the scenery, while unexpected wildlife sightings became highlights of the trip.
Allow extra time for parking and walking to your destination. When we returned to hike around Jenny Lake, the parking lot was full. We found permitted parking farther away, but the walk to the trailhead added distance to our day.
Before choosing a hike, research the route, elevation gain, conditions, and available alternatives. Encouragement helped us feel confident, but preparation was just as important.
If you combine Grand Teton with Yellowstone, allow time to appreciate each park. Staying in Jackson worked well for our visit, and flying home from Jackson let us finish the trip without retracing our drive to Bozeman.
Check Current Conditions Before Your Visit
Our experiences describe a June 2018 visit. Road access, trail conditions, facilities, and seasonal services can change, so check the official Grand Teton alerts and current conditions before planning your route.
Also review the park’s wildlife and hiking safety guidance. Give wildlife plenty of space, prepare for changing weather, and learn how to carry and use bear spray before heading onto the trails.
Grand Teton gave us an unforgettable finish to our anniversary trip, from quiet shoreline moments to mountain views and the satisfaction of completing our Jenny Lake hike.
Planning to visit both parks? Explore our Yellowstone National Park guide for more firsthand experiences and planning ideas. You can also browse our National Parks guides for inspiration for your next adventure.
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