See & Do

Hiking: GTNP has a vast trail network. Some of our go to day hikes are:

Laurence Rockefeller Preserve Center: This is a great center with limited parking. Either come early or go right around 11 when the first hikers are wrapping up. It’s a gentle hike from the Center to Phelps Lake that is under 4 miles roundtrip.

Taggart Lake: An easy 3.8-mile loop hike to one of the smaller Teton lakes. You can shorten the hike if needed by making it and out and back to the lake using only the north side of the loop.

Jenny Lake Ranger Station to Hidden Falls: This hike goes alongside Jenny Lake before starting an incline alongside a mountain stream that ends at a viewpoint of a snow fed waterfall. The hike is just over 5 miles roundtrip. You can also pay to take a shuttle boat across Jenny Lake if you just want to see Hidden Falls or shorten the hike by only hiking one direction.

There are a thousand routes to take through the park. Sam and Carolina’s favorite is to start at the Moose Entrance Station and drive North.

Once you get through the Entrance Station, your first right will go to the Chapel of Transfiguration, a small chapel with an incredible view. Carolina loves to go inside for a meditative moment. Bring a dollar or two for their postcards.

Next proceed to Windy Point Turnout: while simple it’s a great photo of the Tetons. Make sure you turn your head around as the valley flat is a sight of its own. Sam loves the lone tree you’ll see off to the right.

Continue on the main Teton Park Road until you get to the Signal Mountain Intersection. Take the road to the right up Signal Mountain and go to the top. Spend some time walking around when you reach the top there are multiple viewpoints of both the mountains and the valley.

Proceed back to Teton Park Road and continue north(right) until you get to the intersection of North Park Rd(89), take a right(east). Both the Oxbow Bend Turnout and Upper Oxbow Overlook are great stops. If you’re hoping to see an elk or a moose, these usually have a lot of nearby wildlife in the mornings and evenings.

Once to the intersection of Highway 26, head back south(right) toward town on 26. The Snake River Overlook provides the same view of the Snake River and Grand Teton that Ansel Adams famously shot.

By now you’re probably ready for a beverage. Continue on Highway 26 until you get to Moose Junction(where the loop started). Dornan’s Pizza Pasta is a must do stop. The bottle shop in the entrance has a great wine selection and Pizza Pasta will uncork and provide you with glasses. Head up to the roof top and order a pizza.

Fly Fishing: For those looking to test their angling skills, there are a handful of great fly shops in Jackson Hole that offer guided fishing trips on the Snake River. One of our favorites is Westbank Anglers. Most guided trips are in a drift boat which fits two anglers and a guide. 

Scenic Float Trips: For those desiring a more laid-back river day, there are numerous companies who offer scenic float trips both private or public group tours. These are usually 2-3 hours and an incredible way to see and experience the national park and Snake River. Barker Ewing provides a great service.