Perfect One Day in Grand Teton Itinerary for First-Timers

Looking to make the most of your day trip to Grand Teton National Park?

Here’s a sample itinerary for one day in Grand Teton National Park, tracing my route during my months-long extensive road trip days driving through the American West. 

Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton’s beauty also deserves some love. I personally spent a few days here and came back twice, as juggling remote work with the spotty wifi in the Yellowstone area made me need to double back. 

However, if you only have a day to spend in Grand Teton, it is a good enough time for this park. Grand Teton is known for its viewpoints and wildlife, and although the square area is large, most of the highlights don’t take long to reach. 

So, let’s make the most of your time, starting with a sunrise at the Snake River Overlook and hiking around Jenny Lake. I will provide recommendations for other must-visit destinations and a travel guide filled with helpful information at the end.

Sample One Day in Grand Teton Itinerary

Even though this park is huge, much of it is backcountry, so one day is enough to get a good overview of this park. With that said, you can always spend more time on wildlife safaris.

So you have everything in one scroll, here’s a sample suggested itinerary that goes much more in detail below.

Early Morning:

• Start your day early on Teton Park Road with a sunrise view from Snake River Overlook.
• Double back a little for Mormon Row and Schwabacher’s Landing.
• Next, turn into the park at Moose Junction. 

Morning to Early Afternoon

• Walk around the shorter hikes of Bradley or Taggart Lake. 
•  Drive along Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, stopping at String and Leigh Lake.
• Head over to Jenny Lake. Kayak or take the boat shuttle across the lake to hike up Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls. Lunch at the top with lake views.
• Alternative: you can take a longer hike around the lake.

Afternoon:

• Get back on the road and head north to Jackson Lake. This is a great place to kayak!
• Snap a pic at Oxbow Bend.
• Optional: Signal Mountain Summit for the Teton Range and Jackson Hole Valley views.

Recommended lodging options for the Night: Jackson Lake

• Luxury: Jackson Lake Lodge
• Mid-range: Elk Country Inn
• Budget: Cache House

Travel Tip! If you also plan to go to Yellowstone, in my opinion, you don’t have time to do both in one day.

Quick Facts To Visiting Grand Teton

Grand Teton National Park, often overlooked in favor of its sister park, Yellowstone, lies just 10 miles to the south. Covering approximately 310,000 acres, this reserve covers diverse landscapes, from alpine lakes and meadows to the peaks of the Grand Teton Mountain Range. Grand Teton is famous for its wildlife and exciting outdoor activities, rather than geothermal features.

Quick Facts	Information
Entrance Fee	$35 per vehicle (good for 7 days) or $80 for the America the Beautiful Annual National Park Pass
Operating Hours	Open 24/7, year-round. But many scenic roads are closed November 1 to end of April
Visitor Center Names	Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, Jenny Lake Visitor Center, Colter Bay Visitor Center, Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center
Park Entrances	Granite Canyon Entrance, Moose Entrance, Moran Entrance
Main Activities	Hiking, wildlife viewing, boating, fishing, horseback riding, climbing, cross-country skiing
Number of Campgrounds	6
Hotels	Several lodges within the park like Jenny Lake Lodge, Jackson Lake Lodge, Signal Mountain Lodge, and Colter Bay Village
Best Time to Visit	Mid-May to late September
Nearest Cities and Distances	Jackson (12 miles), Idaho Falls (108 miles), Salt Lake City (275 miles)
Nearest Airports and Distances	Jackson Hole Airport (within the park), Idaho Falls Regional Airport (108 miles), Salt Lake City International Airport (275 miles)

Know Before You Go!

• Permits and Reservations: Kayaks, boating, and fishing require permits. Camping or backcountry hiking will need a different permit.
• Park Closures: Seasonal closures happen in the winter due to heavy snowfall.
• Wildlife Safety: Carry bear spray, and don’t get too close to the buffalo.

Best Things to Do in Grand Teton in a Day

Most likely, you’re kicking off your Grand Teton adventure from Jackson, Wyoming. In this itinerary, you’ll start by cruising along one of the best scenic routes, Highway 89, part of the 42 mile loop drive, for those famous sunrise viewpoints, then turn back and enter through Moose Junction. From there, follow north through the park until you exit at the Moran Entrance.

Early Morning: Sunrise Viewpoints and Short Hikes

Snake River Overlook

Ah, the Snake River Overlook. This is the same view that once caught the eye of Ansel Adams, the famous American photographer known for his black-and-white images. If you’re a photographer and want to wake up for the sunrise, this is the spot to do it. 

Adams’ photograph, with the river winding its way below and the Tetons looming large in the background, has inspired countless photographers over the years to visit this spot, including me.

I went twice for the sunrise here and was surprised to see so many people who had driven much further than I had, trigger-finger ready. They were bundled up in hand warmers and hats, waiting for the pink hue to touch the Teton range.

The overlook is not far from Jackson on US Highway 191, halfway between Moose, WY, and Moran Junction. The viewpoint is right at the edge of the parking area.

If you find yourself here in winter, the Snake River Overlook transforms into a winter wonderland. It’s one of only two of Grand Teton’s Famous Four spots accessible this season, the other being Oxbow Bend.

Mormon Row Historic District

After capturing sunrise at Snake River Overlook, drive back down to the junction for Antelope Flats Road and Mormon Row. Turn into the dirt road and picture rustic barns, historic homesteads, and panoramic views of the majestic Grand Tetons.

This iconic barn is one of the most photographed in America and also a very popular sunrise place. 

Travel Tip! Due to the sun’s position, I highly recommend coming here in the morning. The colors are much more beautiful early than in the afternoon.

The Mormon Row, a section of the California Trail, has seen many pioneers and explorers traveling through the Western United States in the late 1800’s. 

The most photographed barns are the John Moulton Barn and T.A. Moulton Barn, set against the backdrop of the Teton Range. They are popularly known as “the most photographed barns in America.” 

Aside from the landscape, this place is also a haven for bison grazing nearby or pronghorns sprinting across the plains.

Schwabacher’s Landing

Another famous location for its picture-perfect reflection of the Teton Range on the calm waters of the Snake River, this spot is also popular with photographers. 

It’s a prime spot to catch the morning reflections and wildlife like beavers and otters. This is basically the lower vantage view of Snake River Overlook.

The landing is accessible via a short dirt road. A 0.5-mile trail leads from the parking lot down to the landing, or you can go on a longer 2-mile trail along the riverbank.

Photography Tip! The best light for photos at Schwabacher’s Landing is in the early morning and when the water is calm. Be mindful that the afternoons tend to be windier, which can disturb the reflection.

Morning to Early Afternoon: Jenny Lake Scenic Area

Bradley and Taggart Lakes Hike

Bradley and Taggart Lakes are two hidden gems only a few miles from the Moose Entrance of the park. These two glacier-carved lakes are popular amongst hikers and are relatively easy to access.

A well-marked moderate 5.5-mile loop trail takes you past both lakes, but on a short trip, I would get to Taggart Lake about 1.5 miles in and then turn back around to continue your day. 

You’ll traverse through lush meadows, dense groves of aspen trees, and over a series of gentle hills before the Teton Range reflects off the waters of the clear emerald lakes. 

Jenny Lake Scenic Drive

After that short warm-up hike, turn onto Jenny Lake Scenic Drive, a 3-mile one-way loop starting at String Lake Junction that runs parallel to the eastern shoreline of Jenny Lake. The drive is particularly great during the early morning when the lake is calm.

There are several pullouts along the way, like Cathedral Group turnout, which gives a view of Teewinot Mountain, Grand Teton, and Mount Owen – the three highest peaks in the Teton Range. Also, stop at the String Lake area.

Completing the drive will lead you to South Jenny Lake. Here, you can park your vehicle and venture on foot to explore the lake up close, kayak, take hikes, or use the shuttle boat.

Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point Hike

This is the most famous hike in Grand Teton. It gets pretty busy, but it’s not without reason. There are three ways to start the trail:

• Take the shuttle boat (most popular)
• Kayak across the lake to the trailhead (most adventurous)
• Walk around the lake to the trailhead (longest)

Shuttle Boat to Inspiration Point

• Duration: Approximately 3 hours, including a 15-minute boat ride each way
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: Boat dock to Inspiration Point is 2 miles round trip.
• Best Time: The boat operates from 10 am to 4 pm in the summer

The shuttle boat ride across Jenny Lake to the trailhead is the most popular starting point for the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point Hike. This route saves energy and time, especially for families or those with one day in the park.

The shuttle boat operates daily from mid-May to late September. Boats depart every 10-15 minutes from the South Jenny Lake area. But there could be a wait in peak hours.

On arrival at the western shore of the lake, the trailhead starts. Here, a moderate 1-mile trail takes you through dense pine forests to the base of Hidden Falls, a 100 foot cascading waterfall. 

From Hidden Falls, the trail becomes steeper as you make your way to Inspiration Point. This 0.5-mile climb is challenging, but the rewards are worth the effort. At Inspiration Point, you can relax and enjoy Jenny Lake, surrounded by the Teton Range.

Kayak to Inspiration Point

If you’re feeling more adventurous, why not kayak to the Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point trailhead? You can rent kayaks from the Jenny Lake Boating Dock and paddle across the lake for about 1.5 miles.

Once you reach the western shore, tie up your kayak and start on the same trail mentioned above. Since I’m obsessed with kayaking, I did this with my foldable Oru Kayak. I’m not going to lie; it took a lot more time than I expected and could take you well into the afternoon. 

Permit Required! If you’re bringing your own boat, you’ll need to grab a permit from the Visitor Center and stick it on the side of your boat where it’s easy to spot.

Long Hike to Inspiration Point

I will preface that completing the full loop may not be possible unless you have a whole day. Alternatively, you can take the shuttle boat in one direction and walk back around the lake.

• Duration: Approximately 5-6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Length: 7 miles round trip

From the South Jenny Lake parking area, follow the Jenny Lake Loop Trail counter-clockly, with the lake on your right. After 2.5 miles, you’ll reach the western shore of the lake. 

From here, the trail to Inspiration Point will be the same. 

Travel Tip! Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms common in the mountains.

Afternoon: Jackson Lake Area

Oxbow Bend

One of the most scenic spots in Grand Teton National Park, Oxbow Bend, is a U-shaped turn in the Snake River with views of Mount Moran reflected on the water. It’s also a popular spot for seeing moose, deer, and elk grazing on the riverbanks.

By the afternoon, the wind probably has picked up, so that reflection will not be as clear.

Jackson Lake

From Oxbow Bend, drive north on US Highway 89 to reach Jackson Lake, the largest lake in Grand Teton National Park and another popular spot for wildlife viewing. This is another place that is great for boating or kayaking. Also make a stop at Jackson Lake Overlook.

From here, you can head north to the Colter Bay Area or hang out around Signal Mountain for the rest of the day.

Optional: Signal Mountain Summit

Signal Mountain is an isolated peak with views of the Teton Range, Jackson Lake, and the Snake River. The hike to the summit is a popular one but quite long. 

• Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 6.8 miles round trip
• Best Time: Early morning or late evening for the best light.

A narrow, winding road takes you up to the mountain from Jackson Lake. The hike to the summit is about 6.8 miles round trip on a well-maintained trail. You start at Signal Mountain Lodge and walk through a forest of lodgepole pines, gradually going up the mountain’s sides.

After about 2.5 miles, you’ll find a fork in the trail. If you go left, you’ll find a viewpoint overlooking the Jackson Hole Valley. If you go right, you’ll reach the summit. 

Where to Stay

The Jackson Hole area, just outside of Grand Teton National Park, is a top choice for short-term travelers due to its range of accommodations and proximity to the park. Otherwise, you can also stay in Teton Village, but it tends to be more expensive. Also, there are a few lodges and campgrounds in park boundaries.

Best Hotels in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Hotel	Budget	Benefits
Jackson Lake Lodge	Luxury	– Great view and location – Centrally located near Grand Tetons – High-end, comfortable stay with all conveniences – Scrumptious breakfast
Elk Country Inn	Mid-range	– Near shops and restaurants – Central Jackson Hole location
Cache House	Budget	– Clean and affordable accommodations – Great location with dining recommendations around the area

Camping in Grand Teton

Campground	Benefits
Gros Ventre Campground	– Large number of sites – Close to the town of Jackson – Excellent wildlife viewing
Jenny Lake Campground	– Proximity to the beautiful Jenny Lake – Smaller and quieter, with 49 sites – Easy access to hiking trails and boat tours
Signal Mountain Campground	– Views of the Teton Range and Jackson Lake – Located in a forested area – Nearby convenience store and other facilities
Colter Bay Campground	– Large campground with tent and RV spots – Access to a nearby visitor center, marina, and restaurants – Lakeside location for water activities
Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch	– Located between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks – Full-service facility with both campsites and cabins – Has guided fishing trips and other services

Places to Visit with More Time

Other Attractions Within Grand Teton

• Gros Ventre Wilderness: A less visited area with a plethora of hiking and camping options, as well as wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Cascade Canyon: A dramatic canyon that offers one of the park’s most popular hikes.
• Colter Bay Village: A lakeside village with amenities and recreational activities, including boat rentals for exploring Jackson Lake. 
• Rafting the Snake River: There are minor rapids for rafting on the Snake River just outside the park.

Day Trips from Grand Teton

• Yellowstone National Park: Just north of Grand Teton, Yellowstone is the oldest National Park in the world, with lots of geothermal and unique formations.
• Jackson, Wyoming: A charming western town with art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
• Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: A top-rated ski resort. In the summer, you can mountain bike and hiking.
• Dubois, Wyoming: A small town known for its cowboy culture and outdoor adventures in the Wind River Range. 
• Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis, Wyoming: Famous for its large mineral hot spring, one of the world’s largest.

Is 1 Day Enough for Grand Teton

Experiencing the major highlights of Grand Teton National Park in a single day is indeed possible, but you could easily fill several days in the area, especially if you are into wildlife. In just one day, you can drive through the park with scenic stops, go for a moderate hike or kayak trip, and spot some animals.

If you have additional days, take long hikes to the dramatic Death Canyon or Solitude Lake or explore the lakeside villages with recreational activities like boating or fishing.

Grand Teton is also very close to Yellowstone, where you could spend a week. Art enthusiasts can window shop the galleries of Jackson, Wyoming, while ski and mountain bikers might head to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Best Time To Visit

The most popular time to visit is from June to September in the summer months. The weather for hiking, camping, and wildlife will be warm and sunny. All roads and facilities, including visitor centers and campgrounds, are open. 

The shoulder seasons are much quieter, and the changing colors of the foliage are an attraction of this time. However, the weather can be unpredictable, and some facilities may not be fully available.

Winter is the least popular time to visit because of the cold and heavy snowfall. But if you’re into winter sports, you can try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and unique safaris like winter wolf hunting.

How to Get There

Getting There

Grand Teton National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming, deep in the wilderness. The nearest significant city to Grand Teton is Jackson, Wyoming, located just 12 miles to the south. Idaho Falls, Idaho, is another nearby city, about 90 miles to the west.

Visitors can fly into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), which is within the park’s boundaries. Jackson Hole Airport is served by several major airlines, with direct flights from cities like Denver, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and Dallas.

City	Distance (Miles)	Approximate Driving Time
Jackson, WY	12 miles	20 minutes
Idaho Falls, ID	91 miles	1 hour 40 minutes
Denver, CO	515 miles	8 hours
Salt Lake City, UT	273 miles	4 hours 30 minutes

Final Thoughts: Grand Teton Day Trip

I hope this itinerary has been helpful in planning your one day in Grand Teton! It’ll take you to the fantastic vistas for sunrise, the Inspiration Point hike, and the famous 4 photography spots. If you’re heading elsewhere, check out our other articles for more awesome sights and experiences in and around Grand Teton!

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.