Spend Your Day in the Grand Tetons: An Adventure Guide
From the moment you first arrive, the Grand Tetons are calling. The sheer size of their sharp peaks rising from the valley floor will leave you in awe, mouth agape. Here, no two miles are the same, with the scenery changing around every bend. If you only have one full day to explore Grand Teton National Park, the key is to balance the viewpoints with hikes and scenic drives along the way.
Check out our day guide below, designed for travelers who want to see all that there is here, without feeling rushed.
Morning: Wake Up Bright and Early
They say the early bird gets the worm, and that couldn’t be truer here in Sublette County. If you want to see some of the best sunrises in the United States, plan on waking up early and heading over to the national park, specifically in the Mormon Row Historic District. As one of the most photographed spots in the Grand Tetons, you’ll surely get an Instagram-worthy shot here.
The old barns at Mormon Row have the Teton Range in the background, especially striking when the sun first approaches the horizon. The area is also a popular area for bison, pronghorn, and moose. Continue north on the main park road to Jenny Lake, and you’ll experience a scenic drive that alone is worth the visit. Several pullouts along the drive give you plenty of chances to stop and smell the roses as well.
Mid-Morning: Get Out and About
After you finish your incredible drive through Southern Wyoming’s best sights, you’ll arrive at Jenny Lake. It’s one of the main stopping grounds at the Grand Teton National Park, and within five minutes of arriving, you’ll soon see why. You have a couple of options here to choose from, including:
- Walking along the flat lakeshore trail
- Taking a boat shuttle across the lake
- Hiking to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
The hike to Hidden Falls is well-maintained and manageable for nearly all visitors. Inspiration Point adds the much-needed adrenaline rush, showing you a wide view of the valley. If you want something quieter, however, Taggart Lake is another great place to visit. It’s often less crowded than Jenny Lake, but still has those mountain views that all the locals rave about.
Late Morning: Scenic Stops and Short Walks
Before you head to lunch, you’ll have time to stop at a couple more places, including Oxbow Bend. This bend in the Snake River shows some of the clearest reflections you’ll see of Mount Moran, making it a good place to stop and stretch your legs. Bring binoculars, because you might just see some bald eagles or river otters around.
There are several other overlooks along the Snake River worth exploring. You don’t need to spend too much time at each stop, but collectively they help to round out the experience.
Lunchtime: A Picnic With a View
There are some limited dining options near the park, so most travelers prefer to just bring their own. Although there are several local diners and small cafes along the US-191, having a quick meal or a nice picnic is still a solid choice.
There are several picnic areas near lakes, so sit back and enjoy a lunch with a view.
Afternoon: Slower Paced Activities
After your belly is full, taking it easy seems ideal. Drive up Signal Mountain, where you can see some viewpoints often only shown in postcards. It’s an easy drive with a massive payoff. Depending on your interests, you might also enjoy:
- Walking along Jackson Lake’s shoreline
- Renting a kayak or canoeing on Jenny or Jackson Lake
- Visiting the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center
If your little ones are coming with, or you just want a slower pace, revisiting the scenic pullouts is just as rewarding. Finish your adventures out with exploring Schwabacher Landing, perfect for watching the sunset.
Wrap Up Your Day at Highline Trail RV Park
After a full day out, you’ll need a place to park your RV and relax for an evening. Highline Trail RV Park in Boulder, Wyoming is the place to be. Right off the US-191, it’s a go-to destination for a day trip to the Tetons or exploring any of the other wonders in the Cowboy State. We provide camping at its finest with full hookups, a cabin, or wall tent sites to choose from.
Spending a day at the Grand Teton National Park is all about finding what works for you. Start early, keep your plans flexible, and get ready to have your breath taken away. Even if it’s only one day, the park will leave an impression that highlights your Wyoming road trip unlike anything else you’ve ever experienced.