2 Days in Grand Teton

A tight, scenic two-day plan for the Teton Range and Jackson Hole.

By Chris Hayworth, Nestward

Grand Teton soars over a landscape rich with wildlife, pristine lakes, and majestic alpine vistas, and for over 11,000 years communities have thrived in the valley known as Jackson Hole. Two days won't get you into the high country, but it's plenty to see the headline lakes, one good canyon, the most famous barns in America, and a lot of moose. Here's how to spend it without driving in circles.

Day 1: Jenny Lake and Cascade Canyon

Start at Jenny Lake, the heart of the park. Get there early. The lots fill by mid-morning in summer, and there's no overflow magic. Take the shuttle boat across the lake to cut a couple of miles off the walk, then hike up toward Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. From Inspiration Point you can keep going into Cascade Canyon, a wide glacial valley with the peaks rising on both sides. Turn around whenever the kids (or your knees) say so. The canyon is gorgeous in the first mile and doesn't require finishing.

• Boat across, hike to Inspiration Point, walk as far up Cascade Canyon as you like, then boat back. Half a day, well spent.
• If the boat line is brutal, the loop trail around the south end of Jenny Lake is flatter and quieter.
• Afternoon: drive south to the Lake Creek - Woodland Trail Loop at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, an easy 3-mile loop to the shore of Phelps Lake, with limited parking that's worth timing carefully.

Day 2: Scenic drives, Mormon Row, and wildlife

Day two is for the valley views and the icons. Drive the loop road and stop at the overlooks. The Snake River Overlook is where Ansel Adams took his famous shot of the range, and Oxbow Bend below Mount Moran is a reliable wildlife spot, especially early. Mormon Row delivers the postcard: the historic John Moulton Barn with the Tetons stacked behind it. Go at sunrise if you can stomach the alarm; the light is the whole point.

• Schwabacher Landing for mirror reflections of the range in beaver-pond water, calmest at dawn.
• The Moose-Wilson Road is a slow, narrow stretch that's one of the best places in the park to spot moose and the occasional bear. Drive it patiently; it's partly unpaved and closes to bikes and cars at times.
• Cap the day at Jackson Lake or with a short walk near Colter Bay if you have energy left.

If you have extra time

The trails listed in the park's own activity data give you good next steps when two days turns into three. None of these are casual strolls, but they're the real Teton hikes:

• Phelps Lake Loop and the Phelps Lake Overlook. Bigger versions of the easy Rockefeller Preserve walk.
• Granite Canyon and Marion Lake. A long, steady climb into wildflower country.
• Death Canyon up toward the Static Peak Divide junction. Steep, dramatic, and committing.
• Hermitage Point near Colter Bay. Flatter, lakeside, and good for spotting wildlife.

Practical notes

• Entrance fee: $35 per private vehicle, good for 7 days. The visitor centers are at Moose (Craig Thomas) and Colter Bay.
• Getting there: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is the only commercial airport inside a U.S. national park. Salt Lake City is about a 5–6 hour drive.
• Weather: snow and frost are possible any month. Summer days are warm with common afternoon thunderstorms, so start hikes early and watch the sky.
• Wildlife: this is grizzly country. Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep your distance from everything with hooves or antlers.
• Kids: ask at a visitor center about the Junior Ranger program. It gives them a mission and buys you quieter hikes.